
NEW YORK -- McDonald's has begun sounding out investors on selling a portion of the American fast-food titan's stake in its Japanese arm, aiming to use outside capital and expertise to revive the foundering business.
An executive recently traveled to Japan to talk with five or so potential buyers, including trading houses and investment funds. The company, which owns about half of McDonald's Holdings Co. (Japan), proposed unloading 15-33% of outstanding shares. It expects to gain around 100 billion yen ($817 million) from a sale.