A. M. 
The Superintendencia de Competencia (SC) of El Salvador has received an economic concentration request from BIA QSR Investments, S.L., part of the CBC group, to acquire Oriental Wok, S.A. de C.V., currently owned by Hunan Holdings Corp. This transaction means that BIA QSR Investments would control the company that operates the Panda Express en El Salvador. restaurant chain in El Salvador. BIA QSR Investments has a presence in the country through companies such as LivSmart Americas, S.A. de C.V., Comercializadora Interamericana, S.A. de C.V., and Beliv, LLC, El Salvador Branch, which are primarily engaged in the production and distribution of beverages, as well as the distribution of food supplies. Oriental Wok, for its part, focuses on the restaurant sector, specifically fast food under the Panda Express brand.
The SC will conduct an analysis, as established in the Competition Law and its Regulations, to assess whether the transaction could significantly restrict competition, affect economic efficiency, or affect consumer welfare. This stage is carried out provided the transaction meets certain conditions, such as a change of control, prior independence, and certain thresholds.
The food, beverage, and restaurant sector is critical to the salvadoran economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The food and beverage manufacturing sector contributes more than 6% to GDP, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, and the restaurant sector generates approximately $710 million in annual revenue and employs approximately 26,000 people. The latter sector is being driven by tourism derived from the country’s high levels of security, which encourages greater consumption outside the home.
These sectors foster economic growth and the well-being of salvadoran consumers. The food and beverage industry, including production and distribution, strengthens supply chains and attracts foreign investment, which reached $3.2 billion in 2023, according to the Ministry of Economy. With annual growth of 6% over the last decade, the restaurant industry reflects the increase in consumption outside the home. This economic dynamism is crucial for generating employment and improving quality of life, especially in a context where food spending represents approximately 65% of household income.
In all the world’s growing economies, analyzing economic concentrations is essential to ensure that the investment contributes to development without compromising competitive conditions or harming consumers. The resolution on this request will be issued within 90 days of receipt, in accordance with the Competition Law, reaffirming the Government of El Salvador’s commitment to promoting a competitive market environment that drives sustainable growth and benefits Salvadoran families.
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