Sargsyan's Son Expressed Interest in Buying McDonald's Assets Leaving Russia: Who Was Preferred

On May 19, McDonald's announced the sale of its Russian assets to businessman Alexander Govorin amid Western sanctions. Now, it has become known to Forbes that there were six contenders for the acquisition of the McDonald's franchise, including the son of former Armenian President Armen Sargsyan.

Three sources familiar with the negotiations revealed to Forbes that American owners of McDonald's held six independent interviews with potential buyers. On May 2, the president of the American corporation arrived in Dubai and personally interviewed four of the buyers.

"Full interviews were conducted with everyone, the Americans met with all of them. They spoke face to face with four of them, while the other two were interviewed online," stated a source close to the deal.

Two sources informed Forbes that one of the six candidates is the son of former Armenian President Armen Sargsyan. According to those interviewed, the former leader's family has a family office in London. Armen Sargsyan has two sons, Vardan and Hayk, but it is unclear which of them was among the contenders.

Forbes has sent an inquiry to the press service of the Armenian president. During the meetings, McDonald's executives asked potential buyers how they intended to manage the business, according to the informed source. The source indicated that McDonald's main goal was to find someone reputable in the company. This is why preference was given to Govorin, with whom McDonald's has been working for 25 years, the source believes.