US-based fast food McDonald's has dropped many items - like McAloo and Gilled Chicken Wrap - from the menu of the 13 stores, which it has reopened in Delhi-NCR after its agreement with partner Vikram Bakshi to acquire Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL).

The company has also taken Maaza beverage off the list, a fruit-based drink brand from Coca-Cola.

"To ensure a more consistent McDonald's India experience across the different regions, we have permanently removed some of the least popular items including the McAloo Wrap, Chicken McGrill, Egg Wrap, Grilled Chicken Wrap, and Maaza beverage. The rest of the menu remains the same," Barry Sum, director of corporate relations for Asia at McDonald's told PTI.

Besides, the menu boards, tray mats, and packaging have a new design to be consistent with McDonald's simple, modern brand identity, he added.

"Paper packaging and wooden utensils are also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified to support McDonald's global commitment to sustainability," Sum added.

According to the company, customers visiting the 13 re-opened stores will experience an enhanced service experience with more customised hospitality, refreshed menu boards, merchandising and packaging.

CPRL, after its agreement with estranged partner Vikram Bakshi to transfer his share in the JV to the US-based firm, had temporarily shut down its 160 stores.

On Sunday, CPRL, which is now controlled by McDonald's, announced re-opening of 13 restaurants in Delhi-NCR.

The company plans to re-open the rest stores "over the coming days and weeks", McDonald's India had said in a statement.&nbsp;

US-based fast food McDonald's has dropped many items - like McAloo and Gilled Chicken Wrap - from the menu of the 13 stores, which it has reopened in Delhi-NCR after its agreement with partner Vikram Bakshi to acquire Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL).

US-based fast food McDonald's has dropped many items - like McAloo and Gilled Chicken Wrap - from the menu of the 13 stores, which it has reopened in Delhi-NCR after its agreement with partner Vikram Bakshi to acquire Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL). The company has also taken Maaza beverage off the list, a fruit-based drink brand from Coca-Cola. "To ensure a more consistent McDonald's India experience across the different regions, we have permanently removed some of the least popular items including the McAloo Wrap, Chicken McGrill, Egg Wrap, Grilled Chicken Wrap, and Maaza beverage. The rest of the menu remains the same," Barry Sum, director of corporate relations for Asia at McDonald's told PTI. Besides, the menu boards, tray mats, and packaging have a new design to be consistent with McDonald's simple, modern brand identity, he added. "Paper packaging and wooden utensils are also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified to support McDonald's global commitment to sustainability," Sum added. According to the company, customers visiting the 13 re-opened stores will experience an enhanced service experience with more customised hospitality, refreshed menu boards, merchandising and packaging. CPRL, after its agreement with estranged partner Vikram Bakshi to transfer his share in the JV to the US-based firm, had temporarily shut down its 160 stores. On Sunday, CPRL, which is now controlled by McDonald's, announced re-opening of 13 restaurants in Delhi-NCR. The company plans to re-open the rest stores "over the coming days and weeks", McDonald's India had said in a statement.

McDonald's drops several items from menu in reopened stores in India

Estranged partners McDonald's and Vikram Bakshi Thursday announced an out-of-court settlement, ending their almost six-year-long dispute.

As part of the agreement, the US fast-food chain will buy out for an undisclosed sum Vikram Bakshi and his entities' 50 per cent stake in Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL) that operates McDonald's chain of quick-service restaurants in northern and eastern India.

The company also announced the appointment of Robert Hunghanfoo as Head of CPRL with immediate effect, who will be supported by McDonald's global leaders along with the CPRL team, to facilitate a smooth transition.

"CPRL is now wholly owned by MIPL and its affiliate MGM (McDonald's Global Markets LLC) following the completion of a settlement reached with former JV partner, Vikram Bakshi...," the company said in a statement.

It follows "the acquisition by MGM of 50 per cent voting equity shares in CPRL, held since inception by Bakshi and his affiliated entity".

Commenting on the development, Hunghanfoo said,&nbsp;"Accomplishing a mutually agreed settlement in this matter means that our customers can now look forward to a reinvigorated, consistent and uniquely McDonald's experience when they visit us".

During the transition, MIPL will be focused on two key areas providing employees with clarity and confidence in their future at McDonald's and leveraging its global system expertise to fortify high operating standards for our local customers.

Ron Christianson, Global Head of Corporate Relations, International Developmental, Licensee Markets, McDonald's, said that the company is looking for a partner to run the operation in the north and east India.

"We are still actively progressing the search for an ideal partner for North and East India. That process is still ongoing but certainly, rest assured once we do, the ownership will transition to whoever the individual is," Christianson said.

On Monday, the estranged partners McDonald's and Bakshi had told the NCLAT that they are working towards an out-of-court settlement to end their&nbsp;over five-year-old dispute.

McDonald's and Bakshi in 1995 had signed a partnership agreement to open outlets of the US fast food chain in India. It was for a period of 25 years.

The two partners had formed a 50:50 joint venture -- Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) -- which was responsible for outlets of the fast-food chain in the country's northern and eastern regions through the franchise route.

A tussle between them started after Bakshi was ousted as the managing director of CPRL in 2013, following which he approached the Company Law Board (CLB).

He was later reinstated as the MD of CPRL by National Company Law Tribunal (which had taken over CLB functions) on July 14, 2017, following which McDonald's approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

In 2017, McDonald's terminated CPRL's franchise agreement citing non-payment of royalties.

A long-winding legal tussle and battle for control of the business ensued afterwards with Bakshi keeping around 165 McDonald's branded outlets operational in northern and eastern regions of the country.

In southern and western regions, McDonald's outlets are run by Amit Jatia-led Westlife Development.

In August 2017, McDonald's had told the NCLAT that settlement of dispute with its estranged partner Bakshi was not possible.&nbsp;

Estranged partners McDonald's and Vikram Bakshi Thursday announced an out-of-court settlement, ending their almost six-year-long dispute. As part of the agreement, the US fast-food chain will buy out for an undisclosed sum Vikram Bakshi and his entities' 50 per cent stake in Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL) that operates McDonald's chain of quick-service restaurants in northern and eastern India.

Estranged partners McDonald's and Vikram Bakshi Thursday announced an out-of-court settlement, ending their almost six-year-long dispute. As part of the agreement, the US fast-food chain will buy out for an undisclosed sum Vikram Bakshi and his entities' 50 per cent stake in Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL) that operates McDonald's chain of quick-service restaurants in northern and eastern India. The company also announced the appointment of Robert Hunghanfoo as Head of CPRL with immediate effect, who will be supported by McDonald's global leaders along with the CPRL team, to facilitate a smooth transition. "CPRL is now wholly owned by MIPL and its affiliate MGM (McDonald's Global Markets LLC) following the completion of a settlement reached with former JV partner, Vikram Bakshi...," the company said in a statement. It follows "the acquisition by MGM of 50 per cent voting equity shares in CPRL, held since inception by Bakshi and his affiliated entity". Commenting on the development, Hunghanfoo said, "Accomplishing a mutually agreed settlement in this matter means that our customers can now look forward to a reinvigorated, consistent and uniquely McDonald's experience when they visit us". During the transition, MIPL will be focused on two key areas providing employees with clarity and confidence in their future at McDonald's and leveraging its global system expertise to fortify high operating standards for our local customers. Ron Christianson, Global Head of Corporate Relations, International Developmental, Licensee Markets, McDonald's, said that the company is looking for a partner to run the operation in the north and east India. "We are still actively progressing the search for an ideal partner for North and East India. That process is still ongoing but certainly, rest assured once we do, the ownership will transition to whoever the individual is," Christianson said. On Monday, the estranged partners McDonald's and Bakshi had told the NCLAT that they are working towards an out-of-court settlement to end their over five-year-old dispute. McDonald's and Bakshi in 1995 had signed a partnership agreement to open outlets of the US fast food chain in India. It was for a period of 25 years. The two partners had formed a 50:50 joint venture -- Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) -- which was responsible for outlets of the fast-food chain in the country's northern and eastern regions through the franchise route. A tussle between them started after Bakshi was ousted as the managing director of CPRL in 2013, following which he approached the Company Law Board (CLB). He was later reinstated as the MD of CPRL by National Company Law Tribunal (which had taken over CLB functions) on July 14, 2017, following which McDonald's approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). In 2017, McDonald's terminated CPRL's franchise agreement citing non-payment of royalties. A long-winding legal tussle and battle for control of the business ensued afterwards with Bakshi keeping around 165 McDonald's branded outlets operational in northern and eastern regions of the country. In southern and western regions, McDonald's outlets are run by Amit Jatia-led Westlife Development. In August 2017, McDonald's had told the NCLAT that settlement of dispute with its estranged partner Bakshi was not possible.

McDonald's strikes out-of-court settlement with Vikram Bakshi ending six-year-long dispute

McDonald's USA on Wednesday announced that its iconic burgers, including the Big Mac and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, no longer have artificial preservatives, artificial flavours or added colours from artificial sources.

Only the pickle slices still contain an artificial preservative, the American fast-food giant said, noting that "customers are able to skip it if they prefer."

The changes are going into effect in all 14,000 US restaurants, the company's statement said.

It's a big attempt for McDonald's -- oft-vilified as a champion of junk food -- to attract or retain customers concerned about their diets.

"From switching to 100 per cent fresh beef in our quarter-pound burgers, cooked right when ordered, to removing artificial preservatives in our Chicken McNuggets, and committing to cage-free eggs by 2025, we have made significant strides in evolving the quality of our food," said Chris Kempczinski, the company's USA president.

As of now, almost two-thirds of the company's burgers and sandwiches are free of artificial products, which were removed from the company's cheese slices, Big Mac special sauce and several types of buns.

The move is a response to a growing trend of health-consciousness in the United States, particularly attuned to organic products as well as increased concern for product origin and quality.

It's also a way to meet competition from trendy burgers like Five Guys, which emphasizes freshness, or more traditional beef patties like Wendy's, which boasts the slogan "always fresh, never frozen."

Such moves are not easy to implement in the United States, where McDonald's is generally one of few restaurants accessible to lower-class populations, with price factor often taking precedence over quality.

McDonald's USA on Wednesday announced that its iconic burgers, including the Big Mac and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, no longer have artificial preservatives, artificial flavours or added colours from artificial sources.

McDonald's USA on Wednesday announced that its iconic burgers, including the Big Mac and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, no longer have artificial preservatives, artificial flavours or added colours from artificial sources. Only the pickle slices still contain an artificial preservative, the American fast-food giant said, noting that "customers are able to skip it if they prefer." The changes are going into effect in all 14,000 US restaurants, the company's statement said. It's a big attempt for McDonald's -- oft-vilified as a champion of junk food -- to attract or retain customers concerned about their diets. "From switching to 100 per cent fresh beef in our quarter-pound burgers, cooked right when ordered, to removing artificial preservatives in our Chicken McNuggets, and committing to cage-free eggs by 2025, we have made significant strides in evolving the quality of our food," said Chris Kempczinski, the company's USA president. As of now, almost two-thirds of the company's burgers and sandwiches are free of artificial products, which were removed from the company's cheese slices, Big Mac special sauce and several types of buns. The move is a response to a growing trend of health-consciousness in the United States, particularly attuned to organic products as well as increased concern for product origin and quality. It's also a way to meet competition from trendy burgers like Five Guys, which emphasizes freshness, or more traditional beef patties like Wendy's, which boasts the slogan "always fresh, never frozen." Such moves are not easy to implement in the United States, where McDonald's is generally one of few restaurants accessible to lower-class populations, with price factor often taking precedence over quality.

McDonald's says classic burgers no longer have artificial ingredients

Ten women who work at McDonald's restaurants in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and six other cities have filed sexual harassment complaints in the past few days with the federal government against the company and its franchisees, which they said ignored or retaliated against them for such complaints.

The complaints, filed with the US&nbsp;Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), are the latest effort by the union-backed Fight for $15 to have McDonald's designated a "joint employer" of workers at McDonald's franchises and thereby liable when its franchisees violate labour laws.

The claimants, including a 15-year-old from St. Louis, said in a conference call with journalists that they were ignored, mocked or terminated for reporting the behaviour. The accusations included claims that co-workers or supervisors sexually propositioned, groped or exposed themselves to the women.

"I felt I had no choice but to tolerate it," Kimberley Lawson, 25, who makes $8.75 per hour at McDonald's in Kansas City, Missouri, said on a conference call with reporters.

The restaurant industry, which employs half of the American women at some point in their lives, has one of the country's largest sexual harassment problems because its low-wage and largely female workforce is vulnerable to mistreatment from customers and colleagues.

The complaints against McDonald's Corp&nbsp;and the franchise operators of the restaurants where the women workers are similar to sexual harassment accusations also filed with the EEOC two years ago and land ahead of the company's annual meeting on Thursday.

McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey said the company was dismissed from the 2016 claims because they did not employ the individuals who filed the complaints.

Hickey said that McDonald's has policies that prohibit sexual harassment at the company and at the restaurants it owns and operates, while franchisees are responsible for setting employment policies for their restaurants.

The TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund, established earlier this year by the National Women's Law Center, is covering legal fees for the women.

The company said in a statement that it takes the accusations seriously and that the franchisees who operate some 90 percent its roughly 14,000 US&nbsp;restaurants "will do the same."

Fight for $15 and TIME'S UP are pressing the world's largest restaurant chain to establish and train employees on a zero-tolerance sexual harassment policy and to create a safe and effective process for receiving and responding to complaints.

If an EEOC review of the cases finds they have merit, the agency would call on the company to engage in informal settlement talks. If that failed, EEOC could sue the company or issue the workers "right to sue" letters.

The US&nbsp;Supreme Court on Monday upheld employers' ability to block workers who signed arbitration agreements from filing class-action lawsuits. Sexual harassment cases are usually not class actions because of the unique facts in each case. If the workers signed arbitration agreements, that could keep individual claims out of court.

Attorneys told reporters on the conference call that they were investigating whether the women had signed arbitration agreements. They said workers in prior cases had not.

The women could find it difficult to hold McDonald's responsible for the actions of its franchisees.

In two earlier labour law cases, federal judges in California have said that McDonald's does not exercise enough control over franchise workers to be considered a joint employer.

Also, McDonald's in April proposed settling a National Labor Relations Board case that allows it to avoid a joint employer ruling without paying any money to franchise workers who claimed they were fired, suspended or had their hours cut for participating in Fight for $15 protests calling for higher wages.

Ten women who work at McDonald's restaurants in Detroit, Chicago, LA and six other cities have filed sexual harassment complaints in the past few days with the federal government against the company and its franchisees

Ten women who work at McDonald's restaurants in Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and six other cities have filed sexual harassment complaints in the past few days with the federal government against the company and its franchisees, which they said ignored or retaliated against them for such complaints. The complaints, filed with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), are the latest effort by the union-backed Fight for $15 to have McDonald's designated a "joint employer" of workers at McDonald's franchises and thereby liable when its franchisees violate labour laws. The claimants, including a 15-year-old from St. Louis, said in a conference call with journalists that they were ignored, mocked or terminated for reporting the behaviour. The accusations included claims that co-workers or supervisors sexually propositioned, groped or exposed themselves to the women. "I felt I had no choice but to tolerate it," Kimberley Lawson, 25, who makes $8.75 per hour at McDonald's in Kansas City, Missouri, said on a conference call with reporters. The restaurant industry, which employs half of the American women at some point in their lives, has one of the country's largest sexual harassment problems because its low-wage and largely female workforce is vulnerable to mistreatment from customers and colleagues. The complaints against McDonald's Corp and the franchise operators of the restaurants where the women workers are similar to sexual harassment accusations also filed with the EEOC two years ago and land ahead of the company's annual meeting on Thursday. McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey said the company was dismissed from the 2016 claims because they did not employ the individuals who filed the complaints. Hickey said that McDonald's has policies that prohibit sexual harassment at the company and at the restaurants it owns and operates, while franchisees are responsible for setting employment policies for their restaurants. The TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund, established earlier this year by the National Women's Law Center, is covering legal fees for the women. The company said in a statement that it takes the accusations seriously and that the franchisees who operate some 90 percent its roughly 14,000 US restaurants "will do the same." Fight for $15 and TIME'S UP are pressing the world's largest restaurant chain to establish and train employees on a zero-tolerance sexual harassment policy and to create a safe and effective process for receiving and responding to complaints. If an EEOC review of the cases finds they have merit, the agency would call on the company to engage in informal settlement talks. If that failed, EEOC could sue the company or issue the workers "right to sue" letters. The US Supreme Court on Monday upheld employers' ability to block workers who signed arbitration agreements from filing class-action lawsuits. Sexual harassment cases are usually not class actions because of the unique facts in each case. If the workers signed arbitration agreements, that could keep individual claims out of court. Attorneys told reporters on the conference call that they were investigating whether the women had signed arbitration agreements. They said workers in prior cases had not. The women could find it difficult to hold McDonald's responsible for the actions of its franchisees. In two earlier labour law cases, federal judges in California have said that McDonald's does not exercise enough control over franchise workers to be considered a joint employer. Also, McDonald's in April proposed settling a National Labor Relations Board case that allows it to avoid a joint employer ruling without paying any money to franchise workers who claimed they were fired, suspended or had their hours cut for participating in Fight for $15 protests calling for higher wages.

McDonald's hit with new sexual harassment claims

American fast-food giant McDonald&#39;s flipped its logo from &#39;M&#39; to &#39;W&#39; in order to honour women across the world on International Women&#39;s day in Lynwood, California.

Media reports quoting McDonald&#39;s global chief diversity officer Wendy Lewis said that for the first time in history they flipped their iconic arches to honour extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere.

The fast-food chain will change its logo on their social media platform as well.

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The logo on McDonald&#39;s official website has also been flipped to W.

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Initially, the people passing through Lynwood noticed the flipped sign and thought it&#39;s&nbsp;a prank.

The company also announced that 100 McDonald&#39;s restaurant will have special crew shirts and hats with bags.

In media reports, McDonald's global chief diversity officer has said that for the first time in history they flipped their iconic arches to honour extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere

American fast-food giant McDonald's flipped its logo from 'M' to 'W' in order to honour women across the world on International Women's day in Lynwood, California. Media reports quoting McDonald's global chief diversity officer Wendy Lewis said that for the first time in history they flipped their iconic arches to honour extraordinary accomplishments of women everywhere. The fast-food chain will change its logo on their social media platform as well. Screenshot of McDonald's Twitter page. (Others) × The logo on McDonald's official website has also been flipped to W. Screenshot of McDonald's official website. (Others) × Initially, the people passing through Lynwood noticed the flipped sign and thought it's a prank. The company also announced that 100 McDonald's restaurant will have special crew shirts and hats with bags.

On International Women's Day, McDonald's flips its golden arches

McDonald&#39;s estranged joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi said Monday that nearly all outlets of the fast-food chain in east India had been shut and several others in the north are on the verge of closing down due to discontinuation of supplies by its logistics partner.

All in all there are 80 outlets that have been hit by this cutoff in supplies by Radhakrishna Foodland, a move which is seen as a fallout of the ongoing spat between the fast food major and Bakshi.

&quot;Almost all the outlets in east India have been shut because of the move by logistics partner, and others (in north India) are also under pressure due to supply crunch,&quot; Bakshi told PTI, adding that a total of over 80 outlets are suffering currently considering the limited stock each outlet has.

in a letter dated December 20, Radhakrishna Foodland Pvt Ltd wrote to CPRL, the 50:50 JV between Bakshi and McDonald&#39;s India, saying it is discontinuing the supply chain services due to reduction in volume and uncertainty of the future, among others as also non-payment of certain additional amount.

A copy of the letter has been seen by PTI.

The otherwise massive business in the festive season for McDonald&#39;s is set to see a huge blip which will hit the food chain&#39;s revenue.

&quot;Our long standing logistics vendor Radhakrishna Foodland allegedly in collusion with McDonald&#39;s corporation and their wholly owned subsidiary McDonald&#39;s India Pvt Ltd....Has decided to hold back stock paid for approximately Rs 10 crore by us,&quot; Bakshi said in a letter to the landlords and developers of his outlets.

He further wrote: &quot;While the American company and its subsidiary, MIPL, may have with their usual mala fide and malicious actions managed to give CPRL a temporary business setback at the end of the year and during this high sale festive season, yet we have made and are making alternative arrangements and shall be back to serve our customers very soon.&quot;

Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald&#39;s franchisee in August 2013.

McDonalds&#39;s India in August terminated the franchise agreement and had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others.

Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of the licence by McDonald&#39;s India Pvt Ltd (MIPL).

When contacted, a McDonald&#39;s India spokesperson said: &quot;We were informed that their vendors have stopped delivering supplies...This is between CPRL and their vendors, not MIPL.&nbsp;

Bakshi, McDonald's estranged joint venture partner, added that several outlets in the north are on the verge of shutting down

McDonald's estranged joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi said Monday that nearly all outlets of the fast-food chain in east India had been shut and several others in the north are on the verge of closing down due to discontinuation of supplies by its logistics partner. All in all there are 80 outlets that have been hit by this cutoff in supplies by Radhakrishna Foodland, a move which is seen as a fallout of the ongoing spat between the fast food major and Bakshi. "Almost all the outlets in east India have been shut because of the move by logistics partner, and others (in north India) are also under pressure due to supply crunch," Bakshi told PTI, adding that a total of over 80 outlets are suffering currently considering the limited stock each outlet has. in a letter dated December 20, Radhakrishna Foodland Pvt Ltd wrote to CPRL, the 50:50 JV between Bakshi and McDonald's India, saying it is discontinuing the supply chain services due to reduction in volume and uncertainty of the future, among others as also non-payment of certain additional amount. A copy of the letter has been seen by PTI. The otherwise massive business in the festive season for McDonald's is set to see a huge blip which will hit the food chain's revenue. "Our long standing logistics vendor Radhakrishna Foodland allegedly in collusion with McDonald's corporation and their wholly owned subsidiary McDonald's India Pvt Ltd....Has decided to hold back stock paid for approximately Rs 10 crore by us," Bakshi said in a letter to the landlords and developers of his outlets. He further wrote: "While the American company and its subsidiary, MIPL, may have with their usual mala fide and malicious actions managed to give CPRL a temporary business setback at the end of the year and during this high sale festive season, yet we have made and are making alternative arrangements and shall be back to serve our customers very soon." Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast food chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013. McDonalds's India in August terminated the franchise agreement and had asked CPRL not to use its brand system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others. Bakshi had moved the NCLT following termination of the licence by McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL). When contacted, a McDonald's India spokesperson said: "We were informed that their vendors have stopped delivering supplies...This is between CPRL and their vendors, not MIPL.

Almost all McDonald's in east India shut: Vikram Bakshi

After months of intense battle with its Indian joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi, fast food giant Mcdonald&#39;s India may soon appoint a licensee partner for the north and east India region.

In August this year, McDonald&#39;s had terminated franchise agreement for 169 out of its 430 fast food outlets operated by Bakshi-led Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) in the north and east India, alleging breach of contract terms and payment default by the operator.

Post franchise agreement termination, both the sides are locked in a protracted legal battle at various courts, including National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Delhi high court.

Bakshi, who has challenged the termination, continues to operate the outlets saying he will run them until there is a amicable solution by the courts or an acceptable offer by McDonald&#39;s to buyout of his stake in CPRL. 
CPRL is a 50:50 joint venture between McDonald&#39;s India Pvt Ltd (MIPL) and Bakshi.

&quot;We are actively progressing towards finding the right Developmental Licensee partner for the region so that we can grow the business and rebuild the McDonald&#39;s brand,&quot; a McDonald&#39;s India spokesperson told PTI.

Sources in the know said the US-based food chain has finalised the criteria for selection of licensee partner and would come out with a name probably in a couple of months.

It was widely speculated that Hardcastle Restaurants, which runs McDonald&#39;s stores in the west and south, is the front-runner for the job. However, there are other players who are keen to grab the license in the region, considering the high-profit margins at which McDonald&#39;s outlets operate.

The spokesperson, however, declined to comment on the interested parties.

Commenting on the ongoing conflict that grabbed headlines post-termination, he said: &quot;These restaurants (McDonald&#39;s outlets being run by Bakshi) need to be closed immediately. As such, we are taking steps to exercise our contractual and legal rights&quot;.

As per the termination notice, CPRL was ceased to use McDonalds&#39;s name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others.

The company said it is not aware of the food and safety standards as the outlets being run are unauthorised.

&quot;Since the termination, MIPL has not been able to verify if these unauthorised McDonald&#39;s restaurants are following operational procedures and controls, supplies and safety standards,&quot; the spokesperson said.

After months of intense battle with its Indian joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi, fast food giant Mcdonald's India may soon appoint a licensee partner for the north and east India region

After months of intense battle with its Indian joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi, fast food giant Mcdonald's India may soon appoint a licensee partner for the north and east India region. In August this year, McDonald's had terminated franchise agreement for 169 out of its 430 fast food outlets operated by Bakshi-led Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL) in the north and east India, alleging breach of contract terms and payment default by the operator. Post franchise agreement termination, both the sides are locked in a protracted legal battle at various courts, including National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the Delhi high court. Bakshi, who has challenged the termination, continues to operate the outlets saying he will run them until there is a amicable solution by the courts or an acceptable offer by McDonald's to buyout of his stake in CPRL. CPRL is a 50:50 joint venture between McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL) and Bakshi. "We are actively progressing towards finding the right Developmental Licensee partner for the region so that we can grow the business and rebuild the McDonald's brand," a McDonald's India spokesperson told PTI. Sources in the know said the US-based food chain has finalised the criteria for selection of licensee partner and would come out with a name probably in a couple of months. It was widely speculated that Hardcastle Restaurants, which runs McDonald's stores in the west and south, is the front-runner for the job. However, there are other players who are keen to grab the license in the region, considering the high-profit margins at which McDonald's outlets operate. The spokesperson, however, declined to comment on the interested parties. Commenting on the ongoing conflict that grabbed headlines post-termination, he said: "These restaurants (McDonald's outlets being run by Bakshi) need to be closed immediately. As such, we are taking steps to exercise our contractual and legal rights". As per the termination notice, CPRL was ceased to use McDonalds's name, system, trademark, designs and its associated intellectual property, among others. The company said it is not aware of the food and safety standards as the outlets being run are unauthorised. "Since the termination, MIPL has not been able to verify if these unauthorised McDonald's restaurants are following operational procedures and controls, supplies and safety standards," the spokesperson said.

McDonald's may appoint new partner for north, east India

A 19-year-old Muslim student was refused service at McDonald&#39;s in North London after a guard asked her to remove her hijab.&nbsp;

Her friend filmed the incident and uploaded the video to Twitter.

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Here is the video of the incident, occurring at McDonald&#39;s on Seven Sister&#39;s Road in Holloway, London. <a href="https://t.co/07acmBYdjB">pic.twitter.com/07acmBYdjB</a>
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The student, who wishes to be anonymous, said she was stopped in the McDonald&#39;s outlet on Seven Sister&#39;s road in Holloway and asked to get her hijab off multiple times and after she refused the guard said: &quot;It&rsquo;s just a matter of taking it off.&quot;&nbsp;

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not just a matter of taking it off. I wear this for religious reasons and I&rsquo;m not ashamed of it, and I will stand in line and I will get the food I want because this isn&rsquo;t OK,&rdquo; she replied.&nbsp;

After another customer tried to intervene to solve the matter, the guard said: &quot;It&rsquo;s none of your business.&quot;&nbsp;

A staff member told her friend to stop filming, to which she responded&nbsp;that it is her legal right to film whatever was happening at the moment.

The video ends with a woman saying: &quot;I have been living in the UK for 19 years now and this is the first time I&#39;m faced with this kind of discrimination and I am shocked. I am actually shocked.&quot;&nbsp;

The restaurant later issued an apology and informed that they have suspended the security guard.&nbsp;

In a statement, McDonald&#39;s said it has no policy which restricts or prevents anyone wearing a hijab, or any other religious attire, from entering our restaurants.

&quot;We welcome customers of all faiths and sincerely apologise for this situation. We are taking this matter very seriously and are addressing the situation with the individuals involved; the security guard, from a third party company, has been suspended,&quot; it said.

A guard asked her to take off her hijab if she wanted to order food

A 19-year-old Muslim student was refused service at McDonald's in North London after a guard asked her to remove her hijab. Her friend filmed the incident and uploaded the video to Twitter. Here is the video of the incident, occurring at McDonald's on Seven Sister's Road in Holloway, London. pic.twitter.com/07acmBYdjB — Sabrina (@south_sab) December 1, 2017 × The student, who wishes to be anonymous, said she was stopped in the McDonald's outlet on Seven Sister's road in Holloway and asked to get her hijab off multiple times and after she refused the guard said: "It’s just a matter of taking it off." “It’s not just a matter of taking it off. I wear this for religious reasons and I’m not ashamed of it, and I will stand in line and I will get the food I want because this isn’t OK,” she replied. After another customer tried to intervene to solve the matter, the guard said: "It’s none of your business." A staff member told her friend to stop filming, to which she responded that it is her legal right to film whatever was happening at the moment. The video ends with a woman saying: "I have been living in the UK for 19 years now and this is the first time I'm faced with this kind of discrimination and I am shocked. I am actually shocked." The restaurant later issued an apology and informed that they have suspended the security guard. In a statement, McDonald's said it has no policy which restricts or prevents anyone wearing a hijab, or any other religious attire, from entering our restaurants. "We welcome customers of all faiths and sincerely apologise for this situation. We are taking this matter very seriously and are addressing the situation with the individuals involved; the security guard, from a third party company, has been suspended," it said.

London: Muslim girl wearing hijab stopped from ordering at McDonald's

The (Goods and Services Tax) council last week slashed GST rates on around 200 products. The GST on restaurants was revised to downward 5 per cent from 12 per cent for non-air conditioned restaurants and 18 per cent for air-conditioned restaurants.&nbsp;

But restaurants won&#39;t get the benefit of input tax credit, a facility to set off tax paid on inputs with final tax. The tax cut was part of the biggest change to GST rates since July 1.&nbsp;

When the new rates came into effect yesterday, consumers were hoping to see their restaurants bill be considerably lower after companies said they will pass on the rate cut to the customers. But many of the&nbsp;McDonald&#39;s and Starbucks customers found their food bills didn&#39;t drop as drastically as they expected them to.&nbsp;

Angry customers took to Twitter to lash out at them&nbsp;with pictures of food bills before and after last week&#39;s GST cut. Many pointed out that McDonald&#39;s has actually increased the MRPs (Maximum Retail Price) after the rate cut making the total bill nearly the same.&nbsp;

Some also tagged the Finance Ministry in their tweets.

When the new rates came into effect yesterday, consumers were hoping to see their restaurants bill be considerably lower after companies said they will pass on the rate cut to the customers.

The (Goods and Services Tax) council last week slashed GST rates on around 200 products. The GST on restaurants was revised to downward 5 per cent from 12 per cent for non-air conditioned restaurants and 18 per cent for air-conditioned restaurants. But restaurants won't get the benefit of input tax credit, a facility to set off tax paid on inputs with final tax. The tax cut was part of the biggest change to GST rates since July 1. When the new rates came into effect yesterday, consumers were hoping to see their restaurants bill be considerably lower after companies said they will pass on the rate cut to the customers. But many of the McDonald's and Starbucks customers found their food bills didn't drop as drastically as they expected them to. Angry customers took to Twitter to lash out at them with pictures of food bills before and after last week's GST cut. Many pointed out that McDonald's has actually increased the MRPs (Maximum Retail Price) after the rate cut making the total bill nearly the same. Some also tagged the Finance Ministry in their tweets.

Twitterati lashes out at McDonald's after it fails to pass on GST rate cut to customers

McDonald&#39;s in China provoked snorts of laughter Thursday, as internet users mocked a ham-fisted new company name that sounds a lot like the Chinese word for a pig eating.

Earlier this month, the company quietly changed its official name from a transliteration of &quot;McDonald&#39;s&quot; to a new moniker meaning &quot;Golden Arches&quot; &nbsp;a reference to the business&#39;s famous logo.

It was an under-the-radar decision only intended for official use, not for restaurants, the company said in a statement.

But the move threatened to turn into something of a PR nightmare after an enterprising Internet user uncovered the change in corporate filings.

Social media wags quickly pointed out the word gong&nbsp;sounds similar to one that describes a pig snorting and digging in the dirt for food, or &quot;rooting&quot; in English.

It was an unfortunate association for a restaurant that has long sought to dissociate itself from unhealthy eating habits.

By early Thursday afternoon, the hashtag &quot;Golden Arches&quot; had been viewed 2 million times, with many commenters hamming up its porcine associations.&nbsp;

&quot;Thank you for &#39;snorting&#39;,&quot; one user named &quot;bundled meat,&quot; wrote on Weibo, a play on the words McDonald&rsquo;s servers often use to welcome customers.

&quot;Pig snort, golden snort, if it&#39;s tasty come snort again,&quot; wrote another user.

Picking a Chinese name can be difficult for foreign corporations. Airbnb&#39;s Chinese name &quot;Aibiying&quot; meaning &quot;welcome each other with love&quot; has not gone over well with Chinese for its phonetic clunkiness.&nbsp;

Max Factor, the cosmetics company, chose a name that to some Chinese sounds like &quot;a Buddha wrapped in honey.&quot; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Coca-cola is one company that got it right, transliterating its English name to &quot;kekou kele&quot; meaning &quot;Happiness you can taste.&quot;

A McDonald&#39;s China spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday that the company&#39;s new name is purely a formality.

&quot;The company&#39;s name is only for registration purposes,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp;

&quot;It will have no effect on normal business operations.&quot;

McDonald's in China provoked snorts of laughter Thursday, as internet users mocked a ham-fisted new company name that sounds a lot like the Chinese word for a pig eating.

McDonald's in China provoked snorts of laughter Thursday, as internet users mocked a ham-fisted new company name that sounds a lot like the Chinese word for a pig eating. Earlier this month, the company quietly changed its official name from a transliteration of "McDonald's" to a new moniker meaning "Golden Arches" a reference to the business's famous logo. It was an under-the-radar decision only intended for official use, not for restaurants, the company said in a statement. But the move threatened to turn into something of a PR nightmare after an enterprising Internet user uncovered the change in corporate filings. Social media wags quickly pointed out the word gong sounds similar to one that describes a pig snorting and digging in the dirt for food, or "rooting" in English. It was an unfortunate association for a restaurant that has long sought to dissociate itself from unhealthy eating habits. By early Thursday afternoon, the hashtag "Golden Arches" had been viewed 2 million times, with many commenters hamming up its porcine associations. "Thank you for 'snorting'," one user named "bundled meat," wrote on Weibo, a play on the words McDonald’s servers often use to welcome customers. "Pig snort, golden snort, if it's tasty come snort again," wrote another user. Picking a Chinese name can be difficult for foreign corporations. Airbnb's Chinese name "Aibiying" meaning "welcome each other with love" has not gone over well with Chinese for its phonetic clunkiness. Max Factor, the cosmetics company, chose a name that to some Chinese sounds like "a Buddha wrapped in honey." Coca-cola is one company that got it right, transliterating its English name to "kekou kele" meaning "Happiness you can taste." A McDonald's China spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday that the company's new name is purely a formality. "The company's name is only for registration purposes," the statement said. "It will have no effect on normal business operations."

Pigging out: Internet mocks McDonald's new China name

43 out of 55 McDonald&rsquo;s restaurants in New Delhi will be shut from Thursday after a failure to renew eating house licenses by its North and East India licensee Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL), PTI reported.

CPRL is a 50:50 joint venture between Vikram Bakshi and McDonald&#39;s India, that runs the fast food chain in north and east India.

McDonald&#39;s said, &quot;the eating house licenses of a number of McDonald&#39;s restaurants in Delhi have expired&quot;.

&quot;The Board of CPRL is working to obtain the required licenses. Pending this, CPRL is temporarily suspending the operations of the affected restaurants,&quot; McDonald&#39;s India Pvt Ltd (MIPL) spokesperson Barry Sum said.&nbsp;

Media reports said this would lead to a loss of 1,700 jobs, but Barry Sum rubbished the reports, saying &quot;employees becoming jobless is erroneous&quot;.

&quot;We understand that CPRL is retaining the employees of affected restaurants and will pay them their salary during the period of suspension,&quot; he added.

Without specifying a number, a source told PTI that more outlets in the Capital could be shut as a result of expired licences.

&nbsp;

McDonald's said 'the eating house licenses of a number of McDonald's restaurants in Delhi have expired'

43 out of 55 McDonald’s restaurants in New Delhi will be shut from Thursday after a failure to renew eating house licenses by its North and East India licensee Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL), PTI reported. CPRL is a 50:50 joint venture between Vikram Bakshi and McDonald's India, that runs the fast food chain in north and east India. McDonald's said, "the eating house licenses of a number of McDonald's restaurants in Delhi have expired". "The Board of CPRL is working to obtain the required licenses. Pending this, CPRL is temporarily suspending the operations of the affected restaurants," McDonald's India Pvt Ltd (MIPL) spokesperson Barry Sum said. Media reports said this would lead to a loss of 1,700 jobs, but Barry Sum rubbished the reports, saying "employees becoming jobless is erroneous". "We understand that CPRL is retaining the employees of affected restaurants and will pay them their salary during the period of suspension," he added. Without specifying a number, a source told PTI that more outlets in the Capital could be shut as a result of expired licences.

43 out of 55 McDonald's outlets in Delhi to shut shop from today

The Goods and Services Tax, to come into effect&nbsp;on&nbsp;July 1, is bound to create a burdensome increase in legal proceedings, some of India&#39;s top lawyers can foresee, <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/lawyers-are-smiling-as-gst-set-to-fuel-litigation-wave/articleshow/59331775.cms" target="_blank">Blooomberg </a>reports.&nbsp;

The GST bill divides all goods and services into four brackets which will varyingly levy&nbsp;either 5, 12, 18, or 28 per cent taxes. It combines more than a dozen taxes levied on various products and facilities in the market, although most staples and fresh vegetables are spared.&nbsp;

Many lawyers believe that this move will have multiple (if not all) industries knocking on the doors of the courts to try and get their goods or services into a lower tax bracket.

&quot;I absolutely expect more litigation, so we are increasing our team,&quot; Bloomberg reported Sandeep Chilana, a partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas &amp; Co, as saying. &quot;The most impacted industry by GST is my industry. And we are obviously impacted positively.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;When there are different tax rates, there is always a possibility that someone will want to be in the lower slab,&quot; Chilana added.&nbsp;

An example of such a case, Bloomberg reported, was McDonald&#39;s 12-year conflict with the Indian tax authorities.

McDonald&#39;s was trying to get its soft-serve ice cream cones&nbsp;exempted from taxes, with the corporation saying the cones were a dairy product and hence should not be charged the 16 per cent duty they were being. The case went up to the Supreme Court,&nbsp;which ruled in favour of the tax authorities.&nbsp;

The prediction, if&nbsp;true, suggests&nbsp;a great deal of pressure will fall on India&#39;s judicial services, which was already choking with over 100,000 indirect tax appeals at end&nbsp;of March, 2015. The cases had locked away $23 billion in potential government revenue, according&nbsp;to a government report, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

GST will probably result in companies filing more legal suits, wanting their goods and services placed under a lower tax bracket

The Goods and Services Tax, to come into effect on July 1, is bound to create a burdensome increase in legal proceedings, some of India's top lawyers can foresee, Blooomberg reports. The GST bill divides all goods and services into four brackets which will varyingly levy either 5, 12, 18, or 28 per cent taxes. It combines more than a dozen taxes levied on various products and facilities in the market, although most staples and fresh vegetables are spared. Many lawyers believe that this move will have multiple (if not all) industries knocking on the doors of the courts to try and get their goods or services into a lower tax bracket. "I absolutely expect more litigation, so we are increasing our team," Bloomberg reported Sandeep Chilana, a partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, as saying. "The most impacted industry by GST is my industry. And we are obviously impacted positively." "When there are different tax rates, there is always a possibility that someone will want to be in the lower slab," Chilana added. An example of such a case, Bloomberg reported, was McDonald's 12-year conflict with the Indian tax authorities. McDonald's was trying to get its soft-serve ice cream cones exempted from taxes, with the corporation saying the cones were a dairy product and hence should not be charged the 16 per cent duty they were being. The case went up to the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the tax authorities. The prediction, if true, suggests a great deal of pressure will fall on India's judicial services, which was already choking with over 100,000 indirect tax appeals at end of March, 2015. The cases had locked away $23 billion in potential government revenue, according to a government report, Bloomberg reported.

GST good for lawyers, will increase legal proceedings

A creepy clown craze is spreading in the US, sending authorities in a frenzy.&nbsp;

Instances of strangers dressed up as clowns, trying to lure children with candies and cash, have been reported in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia in recent weeks.

While these sightings have rattled residents, their latest victim is the Mcdonald&#39;s mascot Ronald McDonald, the red-haired clown.

McDonald&#39;s Corporation on Tuesday announced that it&#39;s iconic mascot, Ronald McDonald, will temporarily refrain from making any public appearances due to &quot;the current climate around clown sightings.&quot;, media reports said. &nbsp;

The mascot has helped promote the fast food chain for decades and takes part in many of its community events.

The company said it is &quot;being thoughtful with respect to Ronald McDonald&#39;s participation in community events for the time being&quot; after a series of reports of people dressed in clown outfits have startled local communities in multiple states, Reuters reported.

While most cases of &quot;clown sightings&rdquo;&nbsp;have not been substantiated,the incidents have prompted increased patrols.

Police in Menasha, Wisconsin, investigated two men dressed in clown costumes who were reportedly chasing vehicles during the early morning hours. Officers didn&#39;t file any charges on that complaint, Reuters reported.

The sightings in the US have reportedly sparked &lsquo;copy-cat&rsquo; acts in Australia and New Zealand, with police issuing &nbsp;warnings for &ldquo;would-be clowns&rdquo;.&nbsp;

Numerous sightings of clowns have appeared on social media in several Australian cities, with one woman in Brisbane telling local media she was chased by a clown holding a knife, Reuters reported.

 
&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Incidents of people dressed as clowns trying to lure children have been reported in many parts of the US, 'copy-cat' acts in Australia

A creepy clown craze is spreading in the US, sending authorities in a frenzy. Instances of strangers dressed up as clowns, trying to lure children with candies and cash, have been reported in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia in recent weeks. While these sightings have rattled residents, their latest victim is the Mcdonald's mascot Ronald McDonald, the red-haired clown. McDonald's Corporation on Tuesday announced that it's iconic mascot, Ronald McDonald, will temporarily refrain from making any public appearances due to "the current climate around clown sightings.", media reports said. The mascot has helped promote the fast food chain for decades and takes part in many of its community events. The company said it is "being thoughtful with respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being" after a series of reports of people dressed in clown outfits have startled local communities in multiple states, Reuters reported. While most cases of "clown sightings” have not been substantiated,the incidents have prompted increased patrols. Police in Menasha, Wisconsin, investigated two men dressed in clown costumes who were reportedly chasing vehicles during the early morning hours. Officers didn't file any charges on that complaint, Reuters reported. The sightings in the US have reportedly sparked ‘copy-cat’ acts in Australia and New Zealand, with police issuing warnings for “would-be clowns”. Numerous sightings of clowns have appeared on social media in several Australian cities, with one woman in Brisbane telling local media she was chased by a clown holding a knife, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

US: 'Creepy clown sightings' force iconic McDonald's mascot to step back

Have you ever wondered why the burgers you eat look so different from the ones shown is advertisments?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a 2012 video, embracing transparency, fast food giant&nbsp;McDonald&rsquo;s revealed the reason behind this stark contrast between the burgers displayed in advertisements and the ones that you get in real life.

&nbsp;

According to the video, the burgers you order are prepared within a few minutes, while the ones showcased in advertisements take hours of meticulous preparation.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/listicle_creative_burger-20160930050007.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Advertisement v/s reality (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

 
There is a food stylist (yes, that&rsquo;s a job position) specifically assigned to help prepare the burgers for this purpose. A graphic designer also uses photo editing tools like Photoshop to further enhance the quality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In order to make the burger look aesthetically pleasing, the burgers are styled so as to make all the ingredients used visible to the viewers.

&nbsp;

The bun also looks bigger in the advertisement than in real life as once the burger is packed, it tends to contract due to the steam inside the box.

 
 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oSd0keSj2W8" width="560"></iframe>&nbsp;

(Video courtesy: McDonald&#39;s)

(Contributions by Ashna Mishra)

&nbsp;

The burgers you order are prepared within a few minutes, while the ones showcased in advertisements take hours of meticulous preparation

Have you ever wondered why the burgers you eat look so different from the ones shown is advertisments? In a 2012 video, embracing transparency, fast food giant McDonald’s revealed the reason behind this stark contrast between the burgers displayed in advertisements and the ones that you get in real life. According to the video, the burgers you order are prepared within a few minutes, while the ones showcased in advertisements take hours of meticulous preparation. Advertisement v/s reality (WION) × There is a food stylist (yes, that’s a job position) specifically assigned to help prepare the burgers for this purpose. A graphic designer also uses photo editing tools like Photoshop to further enhance the quality. In order to make the burger look aesthetically pleasing, the burgers are styled so as to make all the ingredients used visible to the viewers. The bun also looks bigger in the advertisement than in real life as once the burger is packed, it tends to contract due to the steam inside the box. (Video courtesy: McDonald's) (Contributions by Ashna Mishra)

Why burgers in real life look different from advertisements

Gamers in Japan, home of Nintendo Co&#39;s Pokemon, waited in vain today for the launch of its smash-hit mobile game amid reports that the developers behind it had hit the brakes, concerned that overwhelming demand would overload server capacity. 
 
Nintendo&#39;s shares suffered a rare bad day since Pokemon GO took the world by storm, tumbling 13 per cent on the disappointment. Even so, the stock has gained 86 per cent since its US launch earlier this month, adding $17 billion to its market capitalisation. 
 
&quot;Isn&#39;t Japan the home of Pokemon? I beg them to hurry up!&quot; said Toshihide Onchi, a 40-year-old system engineer who took part in the trial of the game&#39;s beta version. 
 
Late on Tuesday, technology news site TechCrunch and other media outlets reported the launch would take place the following day. TechCrunch later reported a postponement, but said the rollout for one of the world&#39;s most critical gaming markets was still imminent. 
 
A spokeswoman for Pokemon Company, which created the game along with Nintendo and Google-spinoff Niantic, declined to comment on the report, reiterating that nothing had been decided over the Japan launch date. Nintendo referred any queries regarding Pokemon GO to Pokemon Company. 
 
Investors and analysts are betting the success of game, available officially in 35 countries and played in many more, will be transformational for Nintendo. While Pokemon GO will not prove a major direct boost, it could prompt Nintendo to cash in more effectively on an extensive cupboard of characters. 
 
Until Pokemon GO, the company had focused on more profitable consoles and snubbed mobile games.&nbsp;Niantic CEO John Hanke told Reuters on Friday the developers were being extra-cautious in Japan, given the level of expectation and sheer number of players. 
 
&quot;The technical challenge for us is having enough server capacity on the back end to handle that number of users,&quot; he said. 
 
Pokemon GO, which marries a classic 20-year-old franchise with augmented reality, is on its way to becoming the first mobile game to break the $4 billion-per-year barrier, beating Candy Crush Saga, according to Macquarie Research. 
 
Others too have benefited from the craze. Shares of Japan&#39;s McDonald&#39;s Holdings Co ended up 9.8 per cent after the TechCrunch report said the fast-food chain operator would become the game&#39;s first sponsor. 
 
TechCrunch said the sponsorship would see McDonald&#39;s 3,000 plus fast food restaurants across Japan become &quot;gyms&quot;, or battlegrounds, for Pokemon collectors. The chain already gives away Pokemon-themed toys with its Happy Meals.&nbsp;McDonald&#39;s Japan declined to comment. 
 
(Reuters)

Niantic CEO said developers were being extra-cautious in Japan, fearing servers would overload given the level of expectation

Gamers in Japan, home of Nintendo Co's Pokemon, waited in vain today for the launch of its smash-hit mobile game amid reports that the developers behind it had hit the brakes, concerned that overwhelming demand would overload server capacity. Nintendo's shares suffered a rare bad day since Pokemon GO took the world by storm, tumbling 13 per cent on the disappointment. Even so, the stock has gained 86 per cent since its US launch earlier this month, adding $17 billion to its market capitalisation. "Isn't Japan the home of Pokemon? I beg them to hurry up!" said Toshihide Onchi, a 40-year-old system engineer who took part in the trial of the game's beta version. Late on Tuesday, technology news site TechCrunch and other media outlets reported the launch would take place the following day. TechCrunch later reported a postponement, but said the rollout for one of the world's most critical gaming markets was still imminent. A spokeswoman for Pokemon Company, which created the game along with Nintendo and Google-spinoff Niantic, declined to comment on the report, reiterating that nothing had been decided over the Japan launch date. Nintendo referred any queries regarding Pokemon GO to Pokemon Company. Investors and analysts are betting the success of game, available officially in 35 countries and played in many more, will be transformational for Nintendo. While Pokemon GO will not prove a major direct boost, it could prompt Nintendo to cash in more effectively on an extensive cupboard of characters. Until Pokemon GO, the company had focused on more profitable consoles and snubbed mobile games. Niantic CEO John Hanke told Reuters on Friday the developers were being extra-cautious in Japan, given the level of expectation and sheer number of players. "The technical challenge for us is having enough server capacity on the back end to handle that number of users," he said. Pokemon GO, which marries a classic 20-year-old franchise with augmented reality, is on its way to becoming the first mobile game to break the $4 billion-per-year barrier, beating Candy Crush Saga, according to Macquarie Research. Others too have benefited from the craze. Shares of Japan's McDonald's Holdings Co ended up 9.8 per cent after the TechCrunch report said the fast-food chain operator would become the game's first sponsor. TechCrunch said the sponsorship would see McDonald's 3,000 plus fast food restaurants across Japan become "gyms", or battlegrounds, for Pokemon collectors. The chain already gives away Pokemon-themed toys with its Happy Meals. McDonald's Japan declined to comment. (Reuters)

Delayed Pokemon Go launch upsets Japanese gamers

McDonald&#39;s Corp has received more than half a dozen bids for its planned sale of China and Hong Kong stores, including offers from Beijing Tourism Group, Sanpower and ChemChina in a deal worth about $3 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. 
 
McDonald&#39;s is offering a 20-year master franchise agreement to buyers as part of the deal, but has placed restrictions which has discouraged some private equity firms from participating in the process, the people added. 
 
Still, some global buyout firms including Bain Capital, TPG Capital and Carlyle Group have entered the auction with a view to team up with some of the Chinese strategic bidders, the people added. 
 
Other bidders who were preparing to place first-round bids ahead of Monday&#39;s deadline include Beijing Capital Agribusiness Group, McDonald&#39;s China partner, and GreenTree Hospitality, the people added. It was not immediately clear if the last two suitors proceeded with the bids. 
 
Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald&#39;s has hired Morgan Stanley to run the sale of about 2,800 restaurants in China, Hong Kong and South Korea, Reuters previously reported. The sale in South Korea is being run separately and it was not known if the same parties have expressed interest in the South Korean sale, the people added. 
 
The China and Hong Kong business had about $200 million in earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation, and could be sold for about 15-16 times its core earnings, taking the deal value to about $3 billion, one of the people said. 
 
ChemChina and Sanpower officials were not available to comment immediately, while Beijing Tourism Group said it did not know about the matter. An official at Beijing Capital Agribusiness Group said the company did not participate in the bidding. A spokeswoman for GreenTree said the company was not bidding currently. 
 
Bain, Carlyle and TPG declined to comment. Sources declined to be identified as the sale process is confidential. 
 
&quot;We are making progress as we look for long-term strategic partners with local relevance who have complementary skills and expertise coupled with a strong understanding of McDonald&#39;s Brand and who share our values and vision with a dedicated focus on accelerating growth initiatives,&quot; a company spokeswoman said. 
 
&quot;As no decisions have been made, it would be premature to speculate further,&quot; she told Reuters in an email. 
 
McDonald&#39;s does not break out country-by-country revenue details but industry data shows it is China&#39;s number two fast food chain behind YUM Brands Inc, which operates the KFC and Pizza Hut chains. 
 
Both firms are facing increasing competition from cheaper domestic rivals, particularly in China where they are both trying to recover from food safety scares. 
 
Yum is also in the process of spinning off its 6,900 China restaurants, and is in talks with buyouts firms including KKR and Hopu Investments to sell up to a 20 per cent stake after battling sliding sales over the past few quarters. 
 
Bruised by food safety scandals and changing tastes, McDonald&#39;s is also selling a big stake in its Japanese arm. 
 
(Reuters)

The corporation is offering a 20-year master franchise agreement to buyers in a deal worth about $3 billion

McDonald's Corp has received more than half a dozen bids for its planned sale of China and Hong Kong stores, including offers from Beijing Tourism Group, Sanpower and ChemChina in a deal worth about $3 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. McDonald's is offering a 20-year master franchise agreement to buyers as part of the deal, but has placed restrictions which has discouraged some private equity firms from participating in the process, the people added. Still, some global buyout firms including Bain Capital, TPG Capital and Carlyle Group have entered the auction with a view to team up with some of the Chinese strategic bidders, the people added. Other bidders who were preparing to place first-round bids ahead of Monday's deadline include Beijing Capital Agribusiness Group, McDonald's China partner, and GreenTree Hospitality, the people added. It was not immediately clear if the last two suitors proceeded with the bids. Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald's has hired Morgan Stanley to run the sale of about 2,800 restaurants in China, Hong Kong and South Korea, Reuters previously reported. The sale in South Korea is being run separately and it was not known if the same parties have expressed interest in the South Korean sale, the people added. The China and Hong Kong business had about $200 million in earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation, and could be sold for about 15-16 times its core earnings, taking the deal value to about $3 billion, one of the people said. ChemChina and Sanpower officials were not available to comment immediately, while Beijing Tourism Group said it did not know about the matter. An official at Beijing Capital Agribusiness Group said the company did not participate in the bidding. A spokeswoman for GreenTree said the company was not bidding currently. Bain, Carlyle and TPG declined to comment. Sources declined to be identified as the sale process is confidential. "We are making progress as we look for long-term strategic partners with local relevance who have complementary skills and expertise coupled with a strong understanding of McDonald's Brand and who share our values and vision with a dedicated focus on accelerating growth initiatives," a company spokeswoman said. "As no decisions have been made, it would be premature to speculate further," she told Reuters in an email. McDonald's does not break out country-by-country revenue details but industry data shows it is China's number two fast food chain behind YUM Brands Inc, which operates the KFC and Pizza Hut chains. Both firms are facing increasing competition from cheaper domestic rivals, particularly in China where they are both trying to recover from food safety scares. Yum is also in the process of spinning off its 6,900 China restaurants, and is in talks with buyouts firms including KKR and Hopu Investments to sell up to a 20 per cent stake after battling sliding sales over the past few quarters. Bruised by food safety scandals and changing tastes, McDonald's is also selling a big stake in its Japanese arm. (Reuters)

McDonald's to sell China and Hong Kong stores

In a convergence of two of America&#39;s biggest cultural giants, McDonald&#39;s is moving into the old home of The Oprah Winfrey Show. 
 
The talk-show queen&#39;s production empire left the Harpo Studios complex near downtown Chicago in December, headed to Los Angeles. 
 
The property will now have new life, morphing from the epicentre of influential daytime television to the standard-bearer of American fast cuisine. 
 
McDonald&#39;s plans to &quot;transform the space&quot; into its new corporate headquarters, as well as a new home for the Hamburger University training centre, according to a company statement. 
 
&quot;Today&#39;s announcement is about more than just a new location for us,&quot; said McDonald&#39;s chair Rick Hernandez. 
 
&quot;It is an important investment in our people,&quot; he added, speaking of moving &quot;our business forward for many years to come.&quot; 
 
Oprah Winfrey, whose talk show ended in 2011, sold the facility to a real estate developer two years ago. 
 
But her mark in the area is unmistakable, after more than two decades spent producing her popular talk show from the facility just west of Chicago&#39;s bustling downtown business district, in an area known as the West Loop. 
 
&quot;Once her show went syndicated, my God, it was amazing, because we had people coming to the neighborhood,&quot; Ina Pinkney, a former chef at a West Loop restaurant told NPR in 2011. 
 
Former Chicago mayor Richard Daley even named a short stretch of the street in front of Harpo Studios &quot;Oprah Winfrey Way&quot; and called the talk show host a &quot;great ambassador for our city.&quot; 
 
&quot;That&#39;s better than an Oscar, or an Emmy,&quot; Winfrey said at the time. 
 
The current headquarters for McDonald&#39;s is in a Chicago suburb. The move to the trendy, restaurant-rich West Loop that Oprah helped create is part of the company&#39;s efforts to become a more modern operation. 
 
&quot;This world-class environment will continue to drive business momentum by getting us even closer to customers, encouraging innovation and ensuring great talent is excited about where they work,&quot; said McDonald&#39;s CEO Steve Easterbrook. 
 
Slumping sales led the company to install Easterbrook as CEO last year. 
 
He made a number of changes, including a focus on improving customer service, promising to use eggs from cage-free chickens and adding an all-day breakfast to the menu. 
 
Those changes and others have lifted earnings and led to three straight quarters of growth. 
 
In announcing its headquarters move, the company said it will create a &quot;modern setting that fosters collaboration and connectivity.&quot;

Moving to the trendy, restaurant-rich West Loop that Oprah helped create is part of the company's efforts to become a more modern operation

In a convergence of two of America's biggest cultural giants, McDonald's is moving into the old home of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The talk-show queen's production empire left the Harpo Studios complex near downtown Chicago in December, headed to Los Angeles. The property will now have new life, morphing from the epicentre of influential daytime television to the standard-bearer of American fast cuisine. McDonald's plans to "transform the space" into its new corporate headquarters, as well as a new home for the Hamburger University training centre, according to a company statement. "Today's announcement is about more than just a new location for us," said McDonald's chair Rick Hernandez. "It is an important investment in our people," he added, speaking of moving "our business forward for many years to come." Oprah Winfrey, whose talk show ended in 2011, sold the facility to a real estate developer two years ago. But her mark in the area is unmistakable, after more than two decades spent producing her popular talk show from the facility just west of Chicago's bustling downtown business district, in an area known as the West Loop. "Once her show went syndicated, my God, it was amazing, because we had people coming to the neighborhood," Ina Pinkney, a former chef at a West Loop restaurant told NPR in 2011. Former Chicago mayor Richard Daley even named a short stretch of the street in front of Harpo Studios "Oprah Winfrey Way" and called the talk show host a "great ambassador for our city." "That's better than an Oscar, or an Emmy," Winfrey said at the time. The current headquarters for McDonald's is in a Chicago suburb. The move to the trendy, restaurant-rich West Loop that Oprah helped create is part of the company's efforts to become a more modern operation. "This world-class environment will continue to drive business momentum by getting us even closer to customers, encouraging innovation and ensuring great talent is excited about where they work," said McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook. Slumping sales led the company to install Easterbrook as CEO last year. He made a number of changes, including a focus on improving customer service, promising to use eggs from cage-free chickens and adding an all-day breakfast to the menu. Those changes and others have lifted earnings and led to three straight quarters of growth. In announcing its headquarters move, the company said it will create a "modern setting that fosters collaboration and connectivity."

McDonald's moves into Oprah's old home

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