Americana Restaurants International PLC has announced that Malak Al Tawouk will join its brand portfolio through two transactions.
The company said it has secured a 75-year exclusive licence to develop and operate Malak Al Tawouk across the Middle East, North Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Americana Restaurants has also signed an agreement to acquire the existing Malak Al Tawouk franchisees in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The announcement was made in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh on February 8, 2026.
Americana Restaurants is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol AMR and on the Saudi Stock Exchange under the symbol 6015.
Americana Restaurants Malak Al Tawouk deal explained
Malak Al Tawouk is a family-owned Lebanese quick service restaurant brand founded in Beirut in 1996. The brand operates more than 45 restaurants in Lebanon and 19 restaurants across the Middle East. It also operates stores in France and Canada.
The brand is centred on its Tawouk sandwich. Its menu also includes salads, rice bowls, and accompaniments.
Americana Restaurants said the long-term licensing agreement gives it the exclusive right to develop and operate Malak Al Tawouk for 75 years.
The agreement covers 13 markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Levant, North Africa, and Central Asia.
The company said the transaction marks its entry into the Arabic quick service restaurant segment.
Americana Restaurants acquires Malak Al Tawouk UAE and Saudi franchisees
In parallel with the licensing agreement, Americana Restaurants has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the shares in the current Malak Al Tawouk franchisees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The acquisition includes seven stores in the UAE and three stores in Saudi Arabia.
The existing franchise operations have annualised revenue of approximately $21.1 million, pre-IFRS EBITDA of approximately $2.3 million, and net income of approximately $1.7 million.
The transaction is valued at $20.8 million, representing a 12.0 times price-to-earnings multiple. Americana Restaurants said the acquisition will be funded through internal cash reserves.
The UAE franchise entity is Yummy Junction International Investment LLC, while the Saudi franchise entity is Rock Star International Restaurant for Meals Serving LLC.
“The acquisition of Malak Al Tawouk is the first decisive step in Americana Restaurants’ diversification into Arabic cuisine and a clear expression of our growth ambition. Rooted in Beirut, Malak Al Tawouk brings a 30-year legacy as a beloved ‘regional hero’ with good unit economics and deep cultural resonance. With our operating platform, capital strength and footprint across MENA and Kazakhstan we see a clear path to accelerated expansion and long-term value creation for our shareholders,” Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of the Board of Americana Restaurants said in a statement.
“Americana Restaurants brings unmatched operational expertise and regional scale. This partnership supports our ambition to expand thoughtfully across new markets while preserving the authentic experience and modern brand identity that our customers value. Their deep understanding of consumer preferences and commitment to excellence make them an ideal partner as we enter this next phase of growth,” Joseph Saade, Mr. Alain Saade, and Mr. Joseph Ajoury, Owners of Malak Al Tawouk added.
Americana Restaurants confirms licensing and acquisition transactions
Americana Restaurants said the acquisition of the existing franchisees is expected to be completed by the end of February 2026, subject to closing conditions and approvals.
Following completion, the company said it will focus on integration and regional expansion.
The announcement includes forward-looking statements relating to transaction completion, integration, financial performance, and future plans. The company said these statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ.
The company said it does not undertake to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.
