McDonald’s appoints new partner for north, east India business
- Agrawal is group chairman, and one of the founder-promoters of MMG Group that has interests in bottling and marketing of soft drinks, oil and gas, hospitality, among others
New Delhi: US fast food chain McDonald's has appointed Sanjeev Agrawal as the new developmental licensee for its outlets in north and eastern India, months after it bought out the business from Vikram Bakshi—its former local partner for the region.
“Agrawal has a strong understanding and passion for the McDonald’s brand, insights into the local market, and a proven track record of driving quality and innovation in the food and beverage and hospitality industries. He is the right strategic partner for McDonald’s to grow our brand presence in North and East India,” a McDonald’s spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.
Agrawal is group chairman, and one of the founder-promoters of MMG Group that has interests in bottling and marketing of soft drinks, oil and gas, hospitality, among others. Agrawal-backed Moon Beverages is among the key bottlers for American beverage maker Coca-Cola in north India.
Agrawal did not immediately respond to Mint’s query seeking comments regarding the association with the fast food chain that has over 150 restaurants in north and east India.
“McDonald’s and Agrawal are committed to work together to create more exciting experiences for our customers in north and east India by modernizing our restaurants, enhancing digital consumer engagement, and offering more personalized service and menu items tailored to their local flavor,” a spokesperson for McDonald’s said.
McDonald’s, present in India since the mid-90s, has been eyeing a development licensee or a local partner to manage its business for north and east India after its association with former partner for the region—Vikram Bakshi—ended in May last year, ending a six-year long legal battle between the two.
Subsequently, McDonald’s India Pvt. Ltd (MIPL), along with its affiliate McDonald’s Global Markets Llc bought out Bakshi’s 50% stake in their joint venture Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL). McDonald's has since been managing the day-to-day operations of these restaurants.
The company had then announced that CPRL will be headed by Robert Hunghanfoo, who will oversee the fast food chain’s over 150 restaurants in north and east India.
A McDonalds spokesperson said Hunghanfoo continues to head CPRL.
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First Published:3 Feb 2020, 10:20 AM IST
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