BSE fears hit McDonald's
27 March 2002 by Fitzpatrick
Asia's first bout of BSE and a price-cutting war have forced the McDonald's chain to close 130 restaurants in Japan this year.
Following the outbreak of mad cow disease in Japan last autumn, sales at the chain have been steadily falling despite assurances from the company that all its beef is imported and is BSE-free.
A half-price campaign also failed to halt declining sales, according to vice-president Yasuyuki Yag.
He will be replacing outgoing company president Den Fujita.
The half-price offer is to be suspended.
McDonald's has taken the top share of restaurant sales in Japan since 1982 thanks to an aggressive price-cutting policy.
The chain now has 3,785 fast-food restaurants in Japan.
