The Adil Group has acquired 22 KFC restaurants from former franchisee First Rate, strengthening its presence in north-west England as it targets nearly 20% growth in its KFC business over the next five years.
The acquisition includes a mix of drive-thru outlets, small-format sites and traditional restaurants across Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Preston and Wigan.
Once the deal is completed, The Adil Group will operate 135 KFC restaurants across the UK, making it the largest franchise partner of KFC UK & Ireland. The group also plans to develop additional restaurants across the country as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The deal builds on the group’s 22-year relationship with KFC and reflects its confidence in the continued expansion of the UK fried chicken market, which is forecast to reach £6bn by 2035.
KFC has also reported positive sales performance, with same-store sales increasing by 10% in the second quarter and 9% year-to-date across the UK and Ireland.
Focus on regional growth
Raja Adil, chief executive of The Adil Group, said the acquisition represented a significant opportunity to expand the business, particularly in North Wales, Manchester and Liverpool.
“This investment reflects our ambition and with our focus on great operations and the backing of the KFC brand I’m confident this deal will deliver growth and opportunities for our business and teams,” he said.
James Whitehorn, chief growth officer at KFC UK & Ireland, described The Adil Group as an important partner in expanding the brand’s presence across the UK and Ireland. He highlighted the group’s commitment to restaurant operations and its willingness to invest for the long term.
“This is just one example of the momentum behind KFC right now,” Whitehorn said.
“With strong franchise partnerships, great teams and continued investment, we’re fired up to open more restaurants, reach more communities and lead the growth of the UK and Ireland chicken market.”
Supporting KFC’s wider expansion plans
The acquisition comes as KFC UK & Ireland advances its £1.5bn growth plan, announced last year. The initiative aims to open 500 new restaurants and create more than 7,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland over the next decade.
Franchise partners are expected to play a central role in delivering these ambitions by investing in new restaurants, generating employment and extending the brand’s reach into more communities.
With the addition of 22 restaurants, The Adil Group is strengthening its position within KFC’s franchise network while preparing for further expansion in the UK’s competitive quick-service restaurant market.
