Yum Brands announced on Tuesday that it will sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 billion, ending nearly 50 years of ownership of one of the world’s most recognizable pizza chains as the fast-food industry faces slowing demand and changing consumer habits. Yum China Holdings will buy Pizza Hut’s mainland China operations for $1.2 billion. LongRange Capital will acquire the remaining business for $1.5 billion. The deal marks a major shift for Yum Brands, which will retain ownership of KFC and Taco Bell while stepping away from a brand that has been part of its portfolio since PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut in 1977. Yum said it expects the transaction to close during the third quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Yum Brands began exploring a sale last year. The move came after Pizza Hut reported several quarters of declining sales. Changing Consumer Habits Pressure Pizza Chains Fast-food operators have struggled with weaker consumer spending as inflation continues to affect household budgets across several markets. Higher ingredient costs have also squeezed profit margins, forcing companies to rethink business strategies. At the same time, the rapid rise of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs has prompted some consumers to move away from calorie-heavy fast-food options and adopt healthier eating habits. “Long Range is essentially buying a globally recognized brand that needs greater focus, while Yum China’s move gives local operators more control over a key market,” said Sam North, market analyst at eToro. “The price is not spectacular for such a well-known name, but it removes an ongoing burden and gives Pizza Hut the opportunity to be managed as a turnaround and recovery story,” he added. Pizza Hut remains one of the largest pizza brands in the world, operating thousands of restaurants across more than 100 countries and territories. However, the brand has faced increasing competition from delivery-focused rivals, local restaurant chains and changing consumer preferences. China Deal Highlights Local Market Strategy The sale of Pizza Hut’s China business highlights a growing trend among multinational companies that are giving local operators greater control over regional operations. China remains one of Pizza Hut’s most important international markets, but competition in the country’s restaurant sector has intensified in recent years. Analysts say local management teams are often better positioned to respond quickly to changing customer preferences and market conditions. Pizza Hut’s separation also closes an important chapter in Yum Brands’ corporate history. PepsiCo spun off Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell in 1997 to create Tricon Global Restaurants, which later became Yum Brands in 2002. While Pizza Hut helped establish Yum as a global restaurant powerhouse, the company now appears focused on expanding its strongest-performing brands. Investors will closely watch whether new ownership can revive Pizza Hut’s growth and restore momentum in an increasingly competitive fast-food market.
Messi Makes World Cup History With Record-Equalling Hat-Trick
Lionel Messi delivered a historic performance on Tuesday, scoring the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career as defending champions Argentina opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria. The 38-year-old superstar lit up Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, where more than 69,000 fans witnessed another milestone in a career already packed with records. Messi became the first footballer to play in six FIFA World Cups when he led Argentina onto the pitch for his 200th international appearance. He then added another chapter to his legacy by scoring three goals and moving level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint highest scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. Argentina dominated from the opening whistle and rarely allowed Algeria a chance to settle. Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute. He curled a brilliant strike into the corner to register his 14th World Cup goal. The effort moved him level with German legend Gerd Muller and France captain Kylian Mbappe in the all-time rankings. Historic Hat-Trick Delights Argentina Fans The Argentine captain reached another landmark in the 60th minute. He reacted quickest after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort rebounded into his path and calmly slotted home for his second goal of the night. That strike lifted Messi to 15 World Cup goals and placed him alongside Brazilian great Ronaldo. Lionel Messi vs. Argelia Copa del Mundo 2026pic.twitter.com/bh6x9J11qi — AgustÃn Iseas (@AgustinIseas10) June 17, 2026 The record-equalling moment arrived in the 76th minute. Messi collected the ball near the edge of the area and fired a low finish beyond the goalkeeper to complete his hat-trick. The crowd erupted as the Argentine icon drew level with Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Four minutes later, coach Lionel Scaloni substituted Messi. Fans rose to their feet and applauded as he left the field after one of the finest World Cup performances of his career. The victory gave Argentina an ideal start in Group J as they pursue a second consecutive World Cup title after their dramatic triumph over France in the 2022 final in Qatar. Mbappe and Haaland Also Shine Elsewhere, France opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal. Kylian Mbappe scored twice and became France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals, moving past Olivier Giroud. “There are still people out there who will criticise him but he is an extraordinary player,” France coach Didier Deschamps said. “Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment.” Norway also enjoyed a winning start. Erling Haaland scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Foxborough. The Manchester City striker increased his international tally to 57 goals in just 51 appearances. “You could see that he adapted to the occasion, the occasion wasn’t too big for him,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said. “I had a good feeling before the game. I had quite a comfortable feeling that he would do it for us today.” With Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all making headlines, the race for World Cup glory and football immortality has begun in spectacular fashion.
