Will McDonald’s burgers get expensive as food chain finds buyer for Russian outlets? All you need to know

McDonald’s is leaving Russia in the aftermath of the country’s invasion of Ukraine, joining several other American and European brands which have also decided to make an exit. Following the sale, all the 850 Russian restaurants of McDonald's will operate under a new name. Since McDonald’s is keeping its trademarks in Russia, the new owner may not have the right to sell food items, including popular ones such as the Big Mac and Happy Meal.

Alexander Govor already operates 25 restaurants in the Siberia region. He is a McDonald’s licensee since 2015. He has agreed to buy McDonald's 850 Russian restaurants and operate them under a new name.

McDonald’s had increased the prices of its food items by 8 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 compared with the same period last year. The price hike helped the company offset its losses in Russia and inflation woes. Going forward, the food chain could hike the prices of its food items in other markets, as it completely exits Russia.

Govor has agreed to retain all the 62,000 McDonald's Russian employees for at least two years on equivalent terms. He has also agreed to pay the salaries of the company’s corporate employees until the sale closes.

McDonald’s Chris Kempczinski CEO said that it’s impossible to predict what the future may hold. “...But I choose to end my message with the same spirit that brought McDonald’s to Russia in the first place: hope,” he said adding “Thus, let us not end by saying, ‘goodbye.’ Instead, let us say as they do in Russian: Until we meet again.”