The latest acquisition expands the group’s presence into North-West England, taking its KFC portfolio to 135 restaurants as it targets nearly 20% business growth over the next five years.
The Adil Group has acquired 22 KFC restaurants from fellow franchise operator 1st Rate, expanding its portfolio to 135 outlets and becoming the largest KFC franchise partner in the UK and Ireland. The October 2026 transaction extends the group’s presence into North-West England, adding locations across areas including Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Preston and Wigan. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
The acquisition builds on the group’s 22-year relationship with KFC and supports its plans to grow its KFC business by almost 20% over the next five years. The group intends to build on its expanded portfolio through further development, with North Wales, Manchester and Liverpool among the areas identified for potential growth.
James Whitehorn, Chief Growth Officer of KFC UK & Ireland, said: “We’re hungry to grow our footprint across the UK and Ireland, and ambitious franchise partners The Adil Group are fundamental to making that happen.” He added that the franchisee shared KFC’s commitment to restaurant operations and long-term investment, highlighting the role of established franchise partners in the brand’s expansion strategy.
Led by CEO Raja Adil, The Adil Group began its KFC franchise journey in 2004, when it acquired 11 restaurants from Eales and Martin in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire. It subsequently expanded through acquisitions, including 14 restaurants from Marsdens Caterers in Sheffield in 2008 and 10 restaurants in Scotland from Yum! Brands in 2014. In 2024, the group acquired 40 KFC restaurants across Kent and London from Caskade Group, strengthening its presence in southern England.
The latest transaction adds another 22 restaurants to its estate, reinforcing its position within KFC’s UK and Ireland franchise network. The group also operates other established brands, including Burger King, Taco Bell, Costa Coffee and Anytime Fitness, reflecting a multi-brand franchise strategy spanning foodservice and fitness. Its wider business reports more than 206 locations across its brands and a workforce of over 6,000 people.
KFC, owned by US-based Yum! Brands, continues to invest in its UK and Ireland network. In May 2025, the company announced a planned investment of £1.49 billion over five years, alongside ambitions to open 500 additional restaurants over a decade and refurbish more than 200 existing sites. The investment programme was also expected to support more than 7,000 jobs across the business and its supply chain.
The acquisition highlights the role of established multi-unit franchisees in the expansion of major quick-service restaurant brands. Acquiring existing restaurants enables operators to increase scale and enter new territories while building on established locations and operations.
KFC UK & Ireland has identified the UK’s fried chicken market as a significant growth opportunity, with the market expected to approach £6 billion by 2035. For The Adil Group, the acquisition adds scale and geographical reach as it pursues its next phase of growth with KFC.
