Americana Restaurants International in early talks to acquire stake in Dubai-Based Cravia Inc.

UAE – Americana Restaurants International has confirmed it is in the preliminary stages of discussions to acquire a stake in Cravia Inc., a Dubai-based operator of prominent food and beverage brands including Five Guys, Cinnabon, and Zaatar W Zeit across the Middle East.

The move signals Americana’s strategic intent to expand its footprint in the fast-growing premium casual and quick-service dining segments within the region.

Cravia, owned by private equity firm Fajr Capital since 2016, currently operates 78 outlets and employs over 2,000 staff.

Its portfolio features a mix of internationally recognized franchises such as Seattle’s Best Coffee and Carvel, alongside regional favorites.

This acquisition would complement Americana’s existing brand lineup, which includes major players like KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, Wimpy, and Costa Coffee.

While Americana has not disclosed details regarding the size of the potential stake or the timeline for closing the transaction, the talks reflect a broader industry trend of consolidation and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening market presence and operational scale.

The company has committed to providing timely updates on any substantive developments in compliance with market disclosure regulations.

Industry analysts view this potential deal as a significant opportunity for Americana to deepen its engagement in the Middle East’s evolving foodservice landscape, particularly in premium fast-casual dining where consumer demand is rising.

Integrating Cravia’s brands could enhance Americana’s portfolio diversification and supply chain efficiencies, positioning it to better meet shifting consumer preferences.

Americana is dual-listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), with major shareholders including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Emaar Properties founder Mohammed Alabbar.

The company reported strong financial performance in early 2025, with revenue growth and increased profitability underpinning its capacity for strategic investments.

Cravia’s established regional presence and brand portfolio offer Americana a valuable platform to accelerate growth and innovation in key markets.

However, as negotiations remain at an early stage, there is no certainty that an agreement will be finalized.

If completed, the acquisition would mark a notable expansion of Americana’s franchise empire in the Middle East, reinforcing its position as a leading operator in the region’s food and beverage sector.

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