May 13, 1999 - McDonald's Acquires Pizza Chain

by Dan Murphy

McDonald's Corp. officials said last week that the company will acquire Columbus, Ohio-based Donatos Pizza, a chain of 143 restaurants founded in 1963. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based fast-food giant did not disclose terms of the deal.

"We are excited about adding Donatos to our family," said McDonald's CEO Jack Greenberg. "It represents a great opportunity over the long haul."

Donatos, founded by Jim Grote, began franchising in 1991. In a news release, Grote said that the acquisition would allow Donatos to "reach out for expertise" to expand the business.

More than 10 years ago, McDonald's attempted to add pizza to its core menu, but abandoned the effort after it failed to catch on with customers.

This article reprinted with permission from Meat Marketing & Technology.

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