More than 1,200 to be laid off as pizza chain scrambles to keep restaurants open

Yum! Brands, the U.S. based parent company of international restaurant chain Pizza Hut, has announced the purchase of 64 new Pizza Hut locations in the United Kingdom to prevent them from closing, according to the Guardian.

DC London Pie, the owner of the U.K. Pizza Hut franchise, announced the closure of its U.K. Pizza Hut restaurants after appointing new administrators from FTI Consulting on Monday, according to the Guardian.

With the purchase from Yum! Brands, 68 locations and 11 delivery-only sites will close while 64 will remain open. The closing locations will result in the loss of 1,210 jobs, while the acquisition of the remaining stores will save 1,276 jobs, according to the Guardian.

“This targeted acquisition aims to safeguard our guest experience and protect jobs where possible,” said Nicolas Burquier, managing director for Pizza Hut Europe and Canada in a statement. “Our immediate priority is operational continuity at the acquired locations and supporting colleagues through the transition.”

The move comes after DC London Pie acquired Pizza Hut U.K.’s restaurants when previous owner Heart with Smart Limited collapsed with nearly $51 million in debt, according to National Restaurant News.

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