McDonald's / MCD

About McDonald's

One McDonald's Plaza, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523
www.mcdonalds.com | 630-623-3000 | Founded: 1955

Industry: Hospitality And Travel | Category: Major Employers Not Based in the Region

McDonald's, which had been the majority owner of Chipotle Mexican Grill, spun off its stake in the restaurant chain in October, allowing Chipotle to become an independent entity. McDonald's initially invested in Chipotle in 1998 when the Denver burrito restaurant had 16 units. McDonald's grew to become Chipotle's largest investor in 2001, and its investment helped Chipotle build a national brand with more than 500 restaurants.
In July, the company announced that McDonald's Bulgaria had started using a form of franchising that enables local ownership of its restaurants. The company described the new owners as "experienced business people with an in-depth knowledge of the local market."
On the personnel front, Mike Roberts, the company's president and chief operating officer, resigned in August. A longtime McDonald's executive, Roberts had been considered the heir apparent to chief executive James Skinner.
Ralph Alvarez, president of McDonald's North America, succeeded Roberts. In turn, Don Thompson was elected to succeed Alvarez.
In September, McDonald's said its outlook was so strong that it would increase its annual dividend by nearly 50 percent, to $1.00 per share from 67 cents a share, totaling about $1.2 billion.

CFO: Peter Bensen

2006 Financial Data

Total employees: 465,000 | Local employees: 32,000