快餐巨头，又被曾经的「死对头」买走了

Core Insights - The acquisition of KFC Korea by Carlyle Group marks a significant trend in the global restaurant industry, where major brands are frequently changing hands amid ongoing inflation and evolving consumer demands [2][11][12] - KFC Korea's valuation has surged by 186% over the past three years, reflecting a recovery from previous operational challenges [3][4] - Carlyle Group's strategy focuses on acquiring and optimizing core restaurant brands in Asia, having previously invested in McDonald's China and now expanding its portfolio with KFC in both Japan and Korea [5][6][10] Group 1: Acquisition Details - Carlyle Group has finalized the acquisition of KFC Korea for approximately 200 billion KRW (about 135 million USD) [2] - This follows Carlyle's earlier acquisition of KFC Japan for 835 million USD, indicating a strategic consolidation of KFC operations in East Asia [7] - The deal is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026, further solidifying Carlyle's presence in the Asian fast-food market [7] Group 2: Performance and Recovery - KFC Korea's operational recovery is notable, with a reported 469% increase in operating profit for 2024, reaching 16.4 billion KRW (over 8 million RMB) [3] - The brand had previously faced significant challenges, including a reduction in store count from over 300 to around 200 and a period of financial distress [3][4] - The turnaround was facilitated by capital injection and operational adjustments, including menu localization and enhanced delivery services [3] Group 3: Market Context - The competitive landscape in South Korea is challenging, with KFC operating approximately 200 stores compared to McDonald's 400, highlighting the need for strategic positioning against both international and local brands [4][20] - The trend of foreign brands relinquishing control in favor of local partnerships is becoming more common, as seen with Starbucks and Burger King in China [12][15] - The shift towards local capital involvement is a response to the increasing competition from domestic brands, which have been rapidly expanding their market presence [20]