Feb 18 (Reuters) - Restaurant Brands International

said on Tuesday it has bought stakes in Burger

King China from its local franchisee for about $158 million,

giving it nearly total ownership of the business.

The fast food chain operator said it would engage its

advisors to work on identifying a new local partner to invest

into the business.

The company has been working on its China strategy for its

Burger King business which faced softening demand in the second

biggest market, amid a pressured consumer spending and stiff

competition.

Restaurant Brands acquired the stakes in Burger King China

from a holding company TFI Asia Holdings BV and a blank-check

firm Pangaea Two Acquisition Holdings XXIII.

Restaurant Brands had 1,474 Burger King restaurants in

China, as of December 31, 2024.