Berwin Leighton Paisner have advised AmRest Holdings SE on its acquisition of the exclusive master franchise rights for the Pizza Hut Dine In, Delivery and Express concepts in Germany. Pursuant to the signed transaction documents, AmRest also acquires two equity restaurants from the YUM group and assumes 67 franchise agreements with third-party franchisees.

AmRest is the largest publicly listed restaurant operator in Central Europe. It operates more than 1,300 restaurants and cafés in 13 countries under a number of well-known brands, including Pizza Hut, KFC, Burger King and Starbucks, amongst others. The company already runs 225 Pizza Hut restaurants in France, Hungary, Poland and Russia.

A BLP-team led by Partner Till Buschmann advised AmRest throughout the transaction on all German law aspects. Till was supported by Stephan Krampe (Partner in Frankfurt, Tax), Tina Siebenhaar (Partner in Frankfurt), Theresia Blath (Senior Associate in Frankfurt), Michaela Penkalla (Associate in Frankfurt, all Real Estate) and Katharina von Rosenstiel (Counsel in Berlin, Employment).

Till recently advised AmRest on the acquisition of Starbucks’ German subsidiary as well as 15 Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants.