The Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation has granted clearance for the transfer of 214 KFC fast‑food outlets, which were owned by the Polish group AmRest, to the Russian company Almira. The disclosure came from a published message by the agency, cited by RIA Novosti.
Data from FAS shows that as of June of the previous year, Russia hosted a network of 1,058 KFC joint ventures operating under a franchise model. By the end of November last year, the management rights for these locations had shifted to Smart Service Ltd, a unit associated with Yam Restaurants Russia.
According to FAS, the 214 restaurants in question are owned by AmRest. Under the terms of the deal, ownership transfers to Almira. The ministry emphasized that the transaction would not hinder competition within the Russian foodservice market.
Background context from social media and industry insiders notes that as of December 7, 2022, AmRest—which controls roughly one‑fifth of all KFC locations in Russia—announced its plan to sell the restaurants to the Russian firm Almira for a price in the vicinity of 100 million euros. The incoming operator of the Russian KFC portfolio was described as the party responsible for menu decisions. There was mention that certain menu items could undergo changes, with a potential renaming of up to four offerings as part of the transition. [citation: industry coverage and official statements]