Riyadh – Americana Restaurants International PLC announced the addition of the leading Arab fast-food brand, Al Baik (MAT), to its portfolio through two strategic and integrated transactions.
In a statement to the Saudi stock exchange on Monday, February 9, 2026, the company detailed that the agreement includes an exclusive, long-term licensing agreement for 75 years, granting Americana Restaurants the rights to develop and operate the brand across 13 markets. These include the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the Levant, North Africa, and Central Asia, making it the exclusive operator and developer of the brand in these regions.
Americana Restaurants also signed share purchase agreements to acquire 100% of the existing franchise rights for Al Baik in the United Arab Emirates (7 restaurants) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (3 restaurants), for a total transaction value of $20.8 million USD. The company will fund the acquisition through its internal cash reserves.
Existing Al Baik franchises generate approximately $21.1 million in annual revenue, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Pre-IFRS EBITDA) nearing $2.3 million, and a net profit of $1.7 million USD, according to the company.
Completion of the transaction is subject to fulfilling the necessary regulatory approvals, approvals from third parties, and meeting the preconditions stipulated in the agreements, as well as customary closing adjustments.
Founded in Beirut in 1996, Al Baik is a Lebanese family-owned brand specializing in chicken sandwiches, with over 45 restaurants in Lebanon and 19 restaurants in the Middle East, as well as international presence in France and Canada.
Americana Restaurants indicated that the addition of the brand represents a strategic step in expanding its regional presence and supporting its diverse brand portfolio. The company expects Al Baik to turn into a key pillar in its growth trajectory and a major driver of shareholder value.
The company confirmed that the transaction does not involve any related parties and that the data provided includes future estimates based on current assumptions, which may be affected by operational and regulatory conditions.
