McDonald's Corporation is the world's leading global food service retailer. The Company operates and franchises McDonald's restaurants, which serve a locally-relevant menu of quality food and beverages sold at various price. McDonald's global system is comprised of both Company-owned and franchised restaurants. McDonald's franchised restaurants are owned and operated under one of the following structures -conventional franchise, developmental license or affiliate. The optimal ownership structure for an individual restaurant, trading area or market (country) is based on a variety of factors, including the availability of individuals with the entrepreneurial experience and financial resources, as well as the local legal and regulatory environment in critical areas such as property ownership and franchising. The business relationship between McDonald's and its independent franchisees is of fundamental importance to overall performance and to the McDonald's brand.