McDonald’s Corporation (Public, NYSE:MCD) franchises and operates McDonald’s restaurants in the food service industry. These restaurants serve a varied, limited, value-priced menu in more than 100 countries globally. The restaurants are operated either by the Company or by franchisees, including franchisees under franchise arrangements, and foreign-affiliated markets and developmental licensees under license agreements.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company sold its businesses in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and 13 other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, which totaled 1,571 restaurants, to a developmental licensee organization.
The Company and its franchisees purchase food, packaging, equipment and other goods from numerous independent suppliers.
In addition to its signature restaurant chain, McDonald’s Corporation held a minority interest in Pret A Manger until 2008, and owned the Chipotle Mexican Grill until 2006 and the restaurant chain Boston Market until 2007.