Private equity firm Capital Today says it plans to invest US$21 million in fast-food chain Home Original Chicken.
The deal is the outcome of a Chinese investment reality show. An agreement of the investment has been signed between the two parties. Capital Today is in the process of doing due diligence.
The valuation of the deal is not disclosed.
The company will use the proceeds to build up corporate infrastructure, according to Shu Congxuan, chairman of the Anhui province-based Home Original Chicken.
Shu says the company will avoid expanding too quickly, a mistake many Chinese fast-food chains have made in the past.
Founded by Cathy Xu in 2005, Capital Today manages US$680 million dedicated to providing growth capital to small and medium sized companies. With offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, the firm has invested in fast-food chains in the past, including Zhen Gongfu and Liangpin Puzi.
Home Original Chicken is the largest fast-food chain in Anhui province. The company currently operates over 240 restaurants.
