Goldman Sachs in Exclusive Talks for $452M Acquisition of Burger King Japan

Goldman Sachs is reportedly in exclusive negotiations to acquire the Japan operations of Burger King from Hong Kong-based private equity firm, Affinity Equity Partners.

The transaction is speculated to be worth around 70 billion yen (approximately US$452 million). Goldman Sachs is allegedly preparing to acquire BK Japan Holdings. The latter entity currently operates approximately 310 Burger King locations throughout Japan.

BK Japan has ambitious plans to expand its footprint. By the end of 2028, the company aims to have established a total of 600 Burger King branches within the country. This represents a substantial growth, considering that the company had only 77 stores in 2019.

Burger King’s journey in Japan has seen its fair share of highs and lows. The brand initially penetrated the market in the 1990s, only to withdraw in 2001 due to poor performance. However, it made a comeback in 2007 via a franchise partnership led by South Korea’s Lotte Group and Japan’s Revamp. The operations were subsequently handed over to Lotteria, a subsidiary of Lotte, in 2010.