Quick Service Restaurant Holdings (QSRH) has acquired the Chooks Fresh & Tasty chicken franchise from its founder, Steve Hansen, and will rebrand them into Chicken Treat operations.

The acquisition involves the integration of the business’ 40 outlets into QSRH, bringing the group’s total global store count to approximately 600, with 75 per cent operating as part of a franchise system.

Hansen told Franchising the acquisition came about after he was approached by QSRH, and that he was willing to sell because he “is getting on in age” and agreed with QSRH’s business model.

“The company is following my model and my space as far as what we are doing with both barbequed and fried chicken, and smaller footprints, so it was logical for them to target us, which is essentially what happened.”

He said that Chooks’ franchisees will be well looked after when they become part of the Chicken Treat system and can now enjoy the benefits that come with being part of a much larger franchise system.

“They are very well looked after as far as the terms of the sale,” Hansen said. “Particularly in the purchasing power that they can gain by being part of QSRH with 600 stores as opposed to being part of my group with 40 stores, so that’s a major bonus to franchisees … So they’re not disadvantaged at all. In fact, they’re going to be way better off and their individual businesses will be worth more money.”

Mark Lindsay, QSRH chief executive officer, said the acquisition will strengthen Chicken Treat’s market presence in what is a highly competitive trading environment and will deliver benefits for all Chicken Treat franchisees – new and old.

“Chooks’ strategy of servicing local communities in smaller footprint stores is a natural complement to the Chicken Treat brand position,” he said. “We believe the consolidation of the two brands will deliver significant benefits to both Chooks and Chicken Treat stakeholders. Existing Chooks franchisees will benefit from the increased buying power of the QSRH Group through improved cost of goods and a significant increase in access to advertising and marketing funds.”

QSRH growth continues to be focused on the expansion of its brands across the east coast of Australia and now internationally through the Oporto brand. It plans to open a further 200 stores within the Australian market over the next five years.