A Japanese newspaper has reported that McDonalds will close 130 outlets this year because of consumer fears over three BSE—Mad Cow Disease—cases in the country.
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun said while closing the 130 unprofitable restaurants it will open another 220 stores, 23 percent fewer than last year.
McDonalds has opened 300-500 outlets a year since 1995 while closing 40-60 a year.
Sales at existing stores fell for the fifth consecutive month in February when it ended a half-price campaign.