Parent company of major pizza chain buys 64 restaurants to prevent closings

Yum Brands, the parent company of international pizza chain Pizza Hut, has agreed to buy 64 restaurants in the U.K. as a franchisee prepares to shutter dozens of other locations. According to the BBC, the deal will save 1,276 jobs across the 64 locations.

“We are pleased to secure the continuation of 64 sites to safeguard our guest experience and protect the associated jobs," said a spokesperson for Pizza Hut U.K.

Nicolas Burquier, managing director for Pizza Hut Europe and Canada, said the moves are intended to protect the customer experience and jobs at the rescued restaurants. Burquier went on to say the immediate priority for the company is to continue operations at the locations and to support crew members throughout the process.

While those locations will remain open, franchisee D