Joint Venture to Bring Carl’s Jr. Restaurants to 16 Asian Nations

Carl’s Jr. restaurants will expand into 16 Asian nations through a joint venture between the Malaysian financial group MBf Holdings Berdad and CKE Restaurants Inc., the parent company of the fast-food company said.

CKE will have a 30% interest in the restaurants and receive royalties on the gross sales. CKE will provide operating expertise but will not contribute capital to the new venture.

“We view this development as a positive step toward further building the Carl’s Jr. system and the Carl’s Jr. brand in an important geographic market that has many ties to California,” said William P. Foley II, CKE’s chief executive.

CKE’s Asian operations currently include restaurants in six locations in Malaysia, 11 in the Philippines and one in Japan.