Americana Restaurants spices up menu with US$20.8M acquisition of Lebanese favorite Malak Al Tawouk

LEBANON – In a flavorful new move, Americana Restaurants International (AMR) has made a strategic entry into the Arabic quick-service segment by acquiring the popular Lebanese brand Malak Al Tawouk (MAT).

This tasty deal includes a sweeping 75-year exclusive master license for 13 regional markets and the US$20.8 million purchase of MAT’s existing franchise operations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, stores that have been serving up nearly US$21.1 million in annual revenue.

A Savory Step into High-Growth Arabic Cuisine

This acquisition marks AMR’s first delicious foray into the Arabic QSR category, which it sees as one of the fastest-growing in the MENA region.

It smartly diversifies Americana’s well-known portfolio of global brands like KFC and Pizza Hut by adding a beloved, homegrown concept famous for its signature Tawouk sandwich.

AMR Board Chairman Mohamed Alabbar called the move a “decisive step” that clearly expresses the company’s appetite for growth.

The accompanying long-term license covers a vast area from the GCC to Central Asia, setting the table for the brand’s major expansion.

A Recipe for Rapid Growth and Seamless Integration

A clever part of the deal is the simultaneous acquisition of 100% of MAT’s existing franchisees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, bringing 10 successful stores immediately into the fold.

By integrating these shops, which reported strong earnings, directly into its corporate portfolio, AMR gains instant operational control and a steady revenue stream, all funded from its own cash reserves.

This efficient approach allows the company to quickly optimize the brand’s presence in two crucial markets, creating a perfect launchpad for its wider regional rollout.

Serving Up Authenticity with Major Operational Muscle

This acquisition is a significant shift for the region’s restaurant giant, showing a keen desire to capture the growing hunger for authentic, quick Arabic food.

For the founders of Malak Al Tawouk, partnering with Americana provides the perfect blend: the capital and world-class operational expertise to scale thoughtfully, while carefully preserving the brand’s authentic identity and secret recipe for success.

This partnership positions AMR to become a major player in a beloved niche, using its unmatched regional infrastructure to help a local favorite reach new heights and potentially redefine the landscape for Arabic fast food far and wide.

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