McDonald's reveals details of growth in China

McDonald's China has reached an agreement with service station operator China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. to roll out a chain of drive-through fast-food outlets in China in an unspecified number of its 30,000 gas stations. These will be part of a larger expansion programme which will see McDonald's establish 100 new restaurants per year.

The drive-through restaurants will be open 24 hours, with a family play and rest area, and free internet access. The focus remains on company-owned expansion to expand its 762-strong China network, although McDonald's did recieve government approval to start franchising in 2004.