LongRange Capital Acquires Pizza Hut in $2.7 Billion Split Deal

The sale marks a pivotal shift for a brand that has struggled to maintain its domestic foothold. Once an icon of American dining, Pizza Hut has seen its U.S. presence shrink from 8,000 locations in 1999 to roughly 6,300 today, compounded by 250 additional closures throughout the first half of this year. Despite this decline, the chain remains a formidable global force, commanding 15,500 restaurants across 108 countries and generating $10 billion in annual revenue.

Bob Berlin, the founder of LongRange Capital, now faces the challenge of revitalizing the legacy chain. His track record includes the transformation of Arby’s from a debt-heavy operation into the cornerstone of Inspire Brands, a group currently eyeing a $20 billion valuation. Whether Pizza Hut can recapture its original momentum—born from a humble $600 loan in 1958—now rests on Berlin's ability to replicate the strategic patience that defined his previous retail overhaul.