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McDonald's® Selects Candidate To Franchise 1,600 Restaurants In Latin America And The Caribbean

Local Entrepreneur Chosen to Build Upon Strong Foundation and Lead Brand into the Future

OAK BROOK, Ill. (April 20, 2007) – McDonald's Corporation today announced that it has reached an agreement that will result in the franchising of nearly 1,600 existing restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean to a developmental license organization to be led by Woods Staton, CEO of RestCo Iberoamericana, Limited. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the next few months. Staton has been a valued member of the McDonald's System for more than 20 years.

Investment in the Brand
Staton has assembled a respected group of investment partners to continue the positive business momentum in McDonald's Latin America. Capital International is part of The Capital Group Companies and is one of the world's leading investors in emerging markets. Its private equity team has invested over US$1billion in over 60 companies. Within Latin America, it currently has private equity investments in Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Gavea Investimentos is one the largest independent investment managers in Brazil, with approximately US$4.5 billion currently under management. Gavea was founded by Arminio Fraga, a former governor of the Central Bank of Brazil. Lastly, DLJ South American Partners is a regionally-dedicated Private Equity fund sponsored by Credit Suisse. Their portfolio is primarily focused in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, having invested US$650 million in several industries across the entire region.

McDonald's Latin American Business – Healthy and Growing
McDonald's Latin America has been revitalized over the last four years, achieving 42 consecutive months of positive comparable sales and 13 consecutive quarters of margin improvement. For the past three years, they have achieved double-digit comp sales gains, driving improvement in both company-operated and franchised margins. For first quarter 2007, the region continued its strong performance with a 14.7% comparable sales gain. And, in 2006, McDonald's was recognized as the Best Company to Work for in Latin America by Great Place to Work Institute, Inc.

"Our great results are a testament to the collective focus on our Plan to Win and to the health of our business," said Jose Armario, President of McDonald's Latin America. "Woods is aligned with our Plan to Win and understands the strength of our three-legged stool of franchisees, employees, and suppliers. He's passionate about our business and our customers and will no doubt build upon our four years of positive momentum."

History of McDonald's Latin America
McDonald's has been a part of Latin America's rich culture for 40 years and together, with its franchisees, employs more than 75,000 people in the region's 28 countries as well as regional and country offices. The first McDonald's restaurant in Latin America was established in Puerto Rico in 1967.

"Woods' vast McDonald's experience was one of the key reasons we chose him to lead our brand into the future," said Ralph Alvarez, President and Chief Operating Officer, McDonald's Corporation. "With his operations experience, business acumen, and in-depth knowledge of Latin America, I am confident that he is the right person to drive our business forward."

"I have seen first-hand the growth of our Latin American business and am honored to have been chosen to build upon the momentum that the McDonald's leadership team has already created," said Staton. "It is clear that McDonald's Plan to Win is working in Latin America and I am optimistic about accelerating our growth. Through combined initiatives, including offering menu choice and variety, everyday value, and innovative family and marketing programs, the brand in Latin America is both popular and relevant to customers. That is why I have been here for 22 years with such a passion for McDonald's and look forward to many more."

McDonald's has grown the brand in Latin America through generating thousands of employment opportunities, stimulating local entrepreneurship, and building upon the relationships that have been established with franchisees, customers, employees, suppliers, and neighbors in each of the communities it serves.

About McDonald's
McDonald's is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants in more than 100 countries. More than 70% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local men and women. Please visit our website at www.mcdonalds.com to learn more about the Company.

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations are detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as its annual and quarterly reports.

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