Nov 20 Reuters McDonald39;s said on Monday it would acquire investment firm Carlyle39;s 28 stake in a partnership that manages its business in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, as the burger chain looks to simplify its structure in the region.

The deal will help McDonald39;s raise its holdings to 48, while a consortium led by statebacked conglomerate CITIC Ltd will maintain its controlling ownership with a 52 stake in the business.

Reuters reported in April that Carlyle was discussing various options with financial advisers for its stake in McDonald39;s China, including setting up a continuation fund for the asset.

There was no better time to simplify our structure given the benefits of China39;s longterm potential, McDonald39;s CEO Chris Kempczinski said.

The move comes nearly six years after the burger chain agreed to sell 80 of its China and Hong Kong businesses to CITIC Ltd, its investment arm CITIC Capital and Carlyle for up to 2.1 billion.

McDonald39;s, which currently has 5,500 stores in China, has been increasing the market share in its fastestgrowing region by banking on promotions to drive demand higher in a weak consumer spending environment.

Having a stronger investment position should give them MCD a better voice in making sure that the growth that they expect out of that marketplace occurs, said Northcoast Research analyst Jim Sanderson.

Reuters reported in August that Trustar Capital, formerly known as CITIC Capital, was also planning to raise a…