Thekabarnews.com—Yum! Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut in two separate deals worth a total of US$2.7 billion. This move is reshaping the ownership of one of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands. It comes as the company seeks to streamline its business and focus on long-term growth.

Under the deals, private equity firm LongRange Capital will buy Pizza Hut’s operations outside of mainland China for US$1.5 billion. Meanwhile, Yum China Holdings will buy the chain’s mainland China business for US$1.2 billion. Yum! Brands deals are expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. However, the deals are subject to regulatory approvals.

The sale concludes a strategic review conducted by Yum! Brands. The company was introduced in late 2025 to try out the future of Pizza Hut. The pizza chain has struggled to regain momentum in key markets.

The new ownership structure is expected to better position the brand for future growth. It will do this by allowing each business to focus on its market needs, the company said.

Pizza Hut remains one of the largest pizza restaurant chains in the world. It has nearly 20,000 locations in more than 100 countries and territories.

The company’s international footprint has not protected it from growing pressures recently. These challenges include increased competition, changing consumer tastes, rising operating expenses, and slowing comparable-store sales, especially in the United States.

Competitors like Domino’s Pizza have reinforced their market position. They have done so by investing heavily in digital ordering platforms, delivery technology, and customer loyalty programs.

Those changes have sped up consumer expectations for faster, more seamless online ordering experiences. This has increased competitive pressure across the quick-service restaurant industry.

Pizza Hut’s operations in mainland China have continued to perform strongly, unlike much of its international business. Yum China has built the brand through localized menu items, innovative store formats and consistent investment in the market.

The company intends to grow the number of Pizza Hut restaurants in China to over 6,000 locations by 2028.

Yum! Brands said the sale will help the company sharpen its focus on its remaining global brands, including KFC and Taco Bell. It will also allow the company to accelerate investments in technology and artificial intelligence to drive long-term growth.

Yum! Brands said it does not expect the ownership change to impact the menu, restaurant operations, or customer experience for consumers of Pizza Hut.

The new owners will likely implement operational improvements, technology upgrades, and market-specific strategies. These efforts will help improve the competitiveness of the iconic pizza chain in an increasingly digital and fiercely competitive global restaurant industry.