McDonald’s Sets $3.2 Billion Cap-Ex Budget For New And Existing Stores

The world’s largest restaurant brand will be more aggressive this year in its pursuit of sales and customers. The pledge from McDonald’s Corp. CEO Don Thompson comes as the company announced global same-store sales were up 3.1% in 2012. Sales numbers slipped a bit in the fourth quarter, but the chain is investing big in 2013. According to Thompson, McDonald’s will spend about $3.2 billion of capital to open between 1,500 and 1,600 new stores and reinvest in existing locations. That figure includes reimaging more than 1,600 locations worldwide.

Among markets getting more attention—and more outlets—is Italy. Currently one of the burger giant’s smallest European markets, Italy is going to add 100 new McDonald’s outlets. The chain opened in Italy 27 years ago and now operates 450 outlets in the country (about half as many as are in similarly populated France).