Yum! profits exceed expectations

Yum! Brands, which operates Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants, has revealed full-year profits up by 3% in 2002.

Revenue rose to $776b (£479b) in 2002, against $695b (£429b) in 2001. The group took over restaurant chains Long John Silver's and A&W in the second quarter of the year and these contributed significantly to the growth.