After consolidating its position in India since it opened its first store in 1996, Mcdonald's India is well on its way to making a net profit this year, and has lined up investments to the tune of Rs 400 crore for expansion in new cities.Vikram Bakshi, managing director of Mcdonald's India and joint venture partner for North India, said: "Mcdonald's has established itself as a respectable brand in the last few years. We will now be entering a new phase to establish a pan-India presence. For this, we will invest close to Rs 400 crore by 2006-end along with our suppliers." Mcdonald's India is a locally-owned company managed by two Indian joint venture partners. While restaurants in the northern region are owned and managed by Bakshi under Connaught Plaza Restaurants, Amit Jatia controls the western region under Hardcastle Restaurants.The Indian venture has seen investments of Rs 800 crore till now.Mcdonald's currently has a total of 70 stores in India apart from four express stores and six kiosks. "By end of 2006, we have planned to take the strength of full-menu restaurants to 100 while having 15 express stores and 18 kiosks," Bakshi said.He said the investments will be made by both the joint venture partners as well as suppliers and partners of Mcdonald's India.
