Bloomberg: ChemChina, New Hope eyeing McDonald's franchise

China National Chemical Corp. and New Hope Group Co. are among companies considering bids for McDonald’s Corp. operations in the world’s most populous nation, according to Bloomberg. Buyout firm KKR & Co. is considering teaming up with a Chinese firm to make a joint bid for the mainland China franchise rights, which could fetch about $2 billion, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Potential suitors were asked to submit first-round offers by next week, according to the people. McDonald’s is revamping its ownership structure in Asia as it pursues an international turnaround plan put in place after Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook took the reins last year.