McDonald's Corp. (MCD) and Italian travel restaurant operator Autogrill SpA (AGL.MI) said Thursday they have signed a deal that will allow the U.S. fast-food company to open stores at Autogrill outlets in France.

In a statement, the two companies said the partnership will first be focused on Autogrill outlets on French highways, with the first McDonald's opening in the autumn in an "emblematic area" of the French highway grid.

The U.S. company will then look at also using other Autogrill outlets in French airports, train stations, and other "prestigious" locations.

Autogrill, controlled by Italy's Benetton family, saw 2008 revenues rise 19% to EUR5.79 billion. The company operates restaurants and shops at highways, airports, and other locations in 42 countries.

In France, Autogrill has 526 outlets, more than half of which are in the country's highways. The company also has some prestigious locations in France, such as the Louvre museum in Paris.

McDonald's, which has been operating in France for more than 30 years, already has almost 1200 restaurants in the country.

Quandelle Vincent, Director General of McDonald's France, said the company aimed to consolidate its position in areas with a big flow of travelers.

That's where the McDonald's offer "fits in particularly well," Vincent said in the statement. -By Luca Di Leo, Dow Jones Newswires; +39 06 697 66921; luca.dileo@dowjones.com
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