17.06.2026 07:50
Pizza Hut, one of the world's largest pizza chains, is being sold to LongRange Capital for $2.7 billion. The deal ends the brand's decades-long corporate ties with KFC and Taco Bell, while the company, which made headlines with the closure of hundreds of its branches in Turkey, prepares for a new era with its new owner.
US-based restaurant chain operator Yum Brands announced that it will sell its Pizza Hut brand to LongRange Capital for $2.7 billion. The company's decision is seen as the beginning of a significant transformation for the pizza chain, which has been struggling with growth and competitive pressure in recent years.
Upon completion of the sale, management of Pizza Hut and its future growth strategies will transfer to LongRange Capital. Yum Brands will continue its operations primarily through the KFC and Taco Bell brands.
STRATEGIC REVIEW RESULTS IN SALE
Yum Brands had announced in November 2025 that it was evaluating various strategic options for Pizza Hut. While different scenarios regarding the brand's future were being considered at that time, the recent announcement has clarified that the process has resulted in a sale.
Pizza Hut, which has long faced changing competitive conditions in the industry, is expected to follow a different growth strategy under its new owner.
DOMINO'S COMPETITION SHIFTED THE BALANCE
Pizza Hut has lagged behind its competitors in recent years, especially in the US market. The brand, once known for its restaurant concept and salad bars, shifted towards takeout and home delivery models with changing consumer habits.
However, Domino's Pizza's aggressive growth strategy and increasing market share put significant pressure on Pizza Hut. Additionally, the proliferation of third-party delivery apps like DoorDash was among the factors negatively impacting the company's sales performance.
These developments caused Pizza Hut's performance to reflect on Yum Brands' overall financial results.
THE ICONIC BRAND FROM 1958 TO TODAY
Pizza Hut was founded in 1958 by brothers Dan and Frank Carney in Wichita, Kansas. The brand grew quickly and became one of the world's largest pizza chains.
The company went public in 1969 and achieved the title of the world's largest pizza brand in 1971. Pizza Hut maintained its industry leadership for many years but lost this position to Domino's Pizza in 2017.
THE ERA UNDER THE SAME ROOF WITH KFC AND TACO BELL COMES TO AN END
With the sale agreement, Pizza Hut's decades-long corporate ties with KFC and Taco Bell under Yum Brands will also come to an end. The brand's corporate history dates back to PepsiCo. PepsiCo entered the restaurant industry by acquiring Pizza Hut in 1977 and later added Taco Bell and KFC to its portfolio.
In 1997, PepsiCo transformed its restaurant operations into a separate entity, first establishing Tricon Global Restaurants. The company was later restructured under the name Yum Brands and became one of the world's largest restaurant chain groups.
A NEW ERA WITH A NEW OWNER
With the sale to LongRange Capital, Pizza Hut will move away from its nearly half-century corporate structure and step into a new era. Industry experts believe that the new management may develop different strategies to revitalize the brand and enhance its competitive edge.