Yum Brands rescues 64 Pizza Hut UK sites after bankruptcy filing
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Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in operations have entered administration, triggering the closure of 68 restaurants and 11 delivery sites. More than 1,200 jobs are at risk, marking one of the most significant restructurings in the British casual dining sector this year.
The crisis follows financial turbulence at DC London Pie Limited, the franchisee operating Pizza Hut’s UK restaurants. On Monday, the company appointed FTI Consulting as administrator after months of trading difficulties, culminating in the latest collapse. It is the second time in under a year that the chain’s UK operations have faced insolvency proceedings.
A sharp restructuring hits UK casual dining
Shortly after the administration was announced, Yum Brands, Pizza Hut’s US-based parent company, moved to acquire 64 remaining restaurants in a pre-packaged rescue deal. The acquisition will transfer 1,277 employees to a newly formed UK equity business under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) legislation.
“Our immediate priority is operational continuity at the acquired locations and supporting colleagues through the transition,” said Nicolas Burquier, managing director of Yum’s international operations.
While the deal stabilizes half the estate, questions remain over the viability of the broader UK mid-market restaurant space. Analysts point to high energy costs, staff shortages and post-pandemic consumer behavior shifts as persistent headwinds. Pizza Hut’s struggle reflects broader pressures faced by high-street chains navigating a tight and unforgiving market.
Yum Brands’ intervention offers short-term relief for workers and customers, but a leaner footprint signals a more cautious and centralized future for the UK arm of the global pizza chain.
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