(Forbes) — In March this year, American fast food giant McDonald’s (nyse: MCD) announced that it had sold off its South African operations to Cyril Ramaphosa, one of the country’s most influential and politically-connected businessmen. The deal was finalized just last Thursday, even though financial specifics of the sale are still under wraps. The deal will grant Ramaphosa 20-year control of the fast food giant’s South African operations, including the exclusive powers to lease out real estate of its over 130 outlets spread throughout the country. But why did McDonald’s sell off?
