Premier Capital Ltd, the Maltese company which operates McDonald's restaurents in Malta and in the Baltic states is planning to open eight new restaurants in the Baltic countries next year, and also plans to expand further in Malta.

Melo Hili, Managing Director, made the announcement when he officially re-opened McDonald's in Bay Street after the restaurant was remodelled.

The restaurant now features a new style of brilliant colours and new furniture. It also includes McCafe, serving coffees and pastries.

The restaurant was officially re-inaugurated by Mr Hili and his two brothers and co-directors Beppe and Marin.

Mr Melo Hili said that in 2005 Premier Capital Ltd became the development licensee for McDonald's in Malta. It immediately embarked on an extensive programme which included opening new restaurants and remodelling existing ones, starting with the McDonald' restaurant at the Plaza in Sliema followed by that at the International Airport, then St. Julian's, Valletta and now Bay Street.

"The guiding philosophy behind this investment is to continue offering customers an excellent environment, service, value for money and quality food," Mr Hili said.

Premier Capital Ltd is now also the development licensee for McDonald's in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.

Mr Hili said that in 2010 the company will see the opening of another eight new restaurants in these three Baltic countries to bring up the total to 39 restaurants - all owned and operated run by Premier Capital Ltd. This, he said, represented a substantial investment, but the return remained high.

Mr Hili thanked all those responsible for the refurbishing of the Bay Street restaurant adding the company's expansion plans also included opening new restaurants in Malta.