Yum Brands has buyers for A&W, Silver’s

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

The operator of the Taco Bell, KFC and Pizza Hut fast-food chains said Thursday that it has found buyers for its Long John Silver’s and A&W Restaurant chains.

Yum Brands Inc., based in Louisville, put the brands up for sale in January, saying the move will help it focus on international business, where it has seen dramatic growth.

Yum said Long John Silver’s is being bought by LJS Partners LLC, led by a group of franchisees and other investors, and A&W is being bought by A Great American Brand LLC, which is led by one major franchisee.

The company didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deals.

Yum Brands said in January that Long John Silver’s and A&W All-American Food restaurants do not fit into its long-term strategy.

It acquired the two chains in 2002 for $320 million. They have a minimal presence outside the U.S. and no sites in China, a critical market for Yum.