Another Russian company concedes its position on the market, making room for foreign companies. This time it is Rostik’s, one of the largest fast-food chains, who is building up to be absorbed by the US Yum!
      
      
       Rostik’s runs 73 restaurants, including 43 franchising restaurants, with a turnover of $146m in 2004.
      
      
       Yum! sees the move as the key step to win the market. It owns KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants. Under the proposed scheme, 40-45% will pass to Yum! and the rest will be purchased by 2010, when all Rostik’s restaurants will be re-positioned as KFC.
      
      
       The Novosibirsk-based restaurant will be the first to have a common menu and a signboard. So far, the deal is estimated at $18 to $30m.