ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Americana Restaurants International has announced the acquisition of franchise for Malak Al Tawouk (MAT), marking its entry into the Arabic quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment through two complementary transactions, according to a statement issued by the company.
Under the transaction, Americana Restaurants has secured a 75-year exclusive licence to develop and operate the Malak Al Tawouk brand across 13 markets in the GCC, Levant, North Africa and Central Asia, and has also signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the existing MAT franchisees in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The existing franchises comprise seven stores in the UAE and three in Saudi Arabia, the statement said.
Founded in Beirut in 1996, Malak Al Tawouk is a family-owned Arabic QSR brand built around its signature Tawouk sandwich, featuring boneless grilled chicken marinated and prepared for bold, authentic flavour.
Alongside its core offering, the brand’s menu includes fresh salads, rice bowls and lighter accompaniments, positioning it at the intersection of indulgent taste and modern dining preferences. MAT currently operates more than 45 restaurants in Lebanon and 19 across the Middle East, with additional international presence in France and Canada.
Americana Restaurants said the addition of MAT strengthens its portfolio by introducing a regionally rooted Arabic concept with proven performance, scalable operations and strong customer resonance. The move supports the company’s strategy to expand its regional footprint and diversify its brand portfolio across cuisines and dining occasions.
The existing MAT franchises generate annualised revenue of about $21.1 million, with pre-IFRS EBITDA of around $2.3 million and net income of approximately $1.7 million, the statement said. The acquisition of the existing franchises is valued at $20.8 million, representing a 12.0x price-to-earnings multiple, and will be funded through internal cash reserves.
Commenting on the transaction, Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of the Board of Americana Restaurants, said the acquisition represents the company’s first step into Arabic cuisine and reflects its growth ambitions. He described Malak Al Tawouk as a regional brand with a long-standing legacy, strong unit economics and deep cultural resonance, adding that Americana’s operating platform and regional footprint provide a clear path for accelerated expansion and long-term value creation.
From the brand’s side, Joseph Saade, Alain Saade and Joseph Ajoury, owners of Malak Al Tawouk, said partnering with Americana Restaurants brings operational expertise and regional scale that will support the brand’s expansion into new markets while preserving its authentic experience and modern identity. They noted that Americana’s understanding of consumer preferences and focus on execution make it a suitable partner for the next phase of growth.
Americana Restaurants said the acquisition of the existing MAT franchisees is expected to be completed by the end of February 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. Following completion, the company will focus on integration and regional scale-up, with Malak Al Tawouk expected to become a key contributor to its growth strategy.