Kirkland Represents The Carlyle Group in Connection with Acquisition of KFC Holdings Japan, Ltd.

Kirkland & Ellis represented The Carlyle Group in connection with its proposed acquisition of KFC Holdings Japan, Ltd. (9873.T), the operator of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) fast-food franchise in Japan, together with the related long term franchise arrangements with brand owner, Yum! Brands. Mitsubishi Corporation (8058.T), the largest shareholder of KFC Holdings Japan, Ltd., announced separately that it would tender all of its shares in connection with the launched offer. 

The Kirkland team was led by corporate partner Jesse Sheley and technology & IP transactions partner Jeffery Norman; together with support from corporate partners Pierre-Luc Arsenault and Maurice Conway; and technology & IP transactions partner Min Wang. Additional transaction support was provided by corporate registered foreign lawyer Jiayi Wang and technology & IP transactions associate Rob Patrignani. The broader team for the transaction also included debt finance partners Manas Chandrashekar and Karen Ho; tax partner Mike Carew; government, regulatory & internal investigations partner Jodi Wu; and litigation partner Fergus Saurin.