(Reuters) - McDonald's Corp (N:MCD) is inviting bids for a significant stake in its Japan unit McDonald's Holdings Co Japan Ltd (T:2702), the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation.
The fast-food company owns just under 50 percent of its Japanese unit, and is looking to sell up to 33 percent, with bids due next week, the report said.
A number of private-equity firms are considering bids, the report said.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is running the sale, the newspaper reported, citing one of the sources.
McDonald's — which last week agreed to sell the bulk of its China and Hong Kong business to state-backed conglomerate CITIC Ltd (HK:0267) and Carlyle Group LP (O:CG) — said in January last year that it is looking to sell a portion of its stake in its Japanese business.
The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.