McDonald's Buys Stake In UK Sandwich Retailer <b></b>

London-U.S. fast-food giant McDonald's has purchaseda 33-percent stake in trendy British sandwich and coffee chain PretA Manger. The deal would help Pret, popular with office workers forits creative sandwiches and sushi, to expand overseas and aidMcDonald's in diversifying away from burgers, which have beentarnished recently by "mad cow" scares.

"Pret A Manger is a strong brand with a loyal customerfollowing that we believe can be successfully developed around theworld," said Claire Babrowski, McDonald's vicepresident.

Some of Pret's customers were less enthusiastic, fearing thechain's range, which includes Tuscan pasta and sandwichesfilled with crayfish, could be dragged down in the market.

"It's a tragedy. Pret is about homemade value, andMcDonald's is a big corporate machine," said Alex Pitt, avideo production director who is a regular Pret customer in centralLondon. "Once he [a member of Pret's staff] starts sayingto me, 'Thank you and have a nice day,' I'm out ofhere."

Andrew Rolfe, Pret A Manger chief executive, said McDonald'swould have little influence on the Pret menu, and that the U.S.fast-food group would be essentially providing logisticalsupport.

"They won't have any influence on how we run our foodor our shops. We control the brand; we control the business,"Rolfe said.

According to Rolfe, McDonald's stake would help Pret AManger buy real estate, set up distribution chains and providesoftware support to see the company through its expansion plans.-CNNfn

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

'Over $100,000 a Month': His Spicy Side Hustle Became a Full-Time Business and Hit 7-Figure Revenue — Here's How He Did It

Brock Giles, 36, started a business inspired by his childhood filled with "food, cooking and entertaining."

Science & Technology

39% of Your Skills Will be Obsolete in 5 Years — Here Are 6 Skills You Will Need to Adapt and Thrive

AI agents are transforming business — adapt or be left behind.

Growing a Business

Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Service, Not Just Sales — Here's How to Build a Customer-First Business

A customer-first business strategy that prioritizes exceptional service, empowers employees and leverages feedback can transform satisfied customers into loyal advocates, driving sustainable, long-term growth.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.