Pedros Expands Portfolio with Bird & Co Acquisition

Pedros Expands Portfolio with Bird & Co Acquisition. South African fast food expansion continues as Pedros confirms its acquisition of Bird & Co, bringing the nine-store chicken and pizza business into the group’s growing portfolio.

The transaction forms part of the company’s national expansion strategy, adding an established regional brand at a time when scale, supply chain resilience and pricing discipline remain central to operating in South Africa’s competitive consumer environment. With nine stores across KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng, Bird & Co has built a loyal customer base in key urban markets.

The brand will continue trading under its existing name following the acquisition, maintaining continuity for customers and franchise partners. Under the Pedros Group, the business is expected to benefit from enhanced buying power, access to a national supply chain and established operational systems.

These capabilities are intended to support improved pricing for customers while strengthening stability and growth prospects for franchise partners. Greg Stephenson, general manager of Bird & Co, said the transaction provides certainty for the business, its customers and employees as it pursues responsible and sustainable development within the industry.

He added that the move supports the brand’s ambition to grow steadily while maintaining its position in competitive regional markets. Pedros operates more than 200 stores nationwide, providing experience in food service and franchising that creates opportunities for Bird & Co’s teams and franchise partners.

The group’s resources and operational expertise are expected to support continued development, particularly in operational consistency and customer experience.

Bradley Marshall, marketing executive at Pedros, described the acquisition as a natural fit within the group’s portfolio. He noted that Bird & Co offers wood-fired pizzas and deboned chicken, giving it a differentiated position within competitive markets.

Marshall said the brand has established recognition in the regions where it operates and has foundations in place for further development. He added that the group’s focus will be on refining operations, improving consistency and supporting the next phase of structured growth.

The acquisition reflects continued consolidation within South Africa’s food service sector, where businesses are pursuing scale and operational strength to remain competitive in a demanding market environment.

For both companies, the transaction represents a step aligned with expansion objectives while maintaining the existing identity of the acquired brand.

The deal also highlights ongoing investment in franchising models and operational integration as companies position themselves for sustainable long-term development across South Africa’s evolving consumer landscape, reflecting broader industry adjustments currently shaping competitive market dynamics nationwide.