US-based casual dining restaurant company Brinker International has entered into an agreement with its longtime Canadian franchise partner, Speedy Creek.
Under the deal, Brinker International's subsidiary will acquire 11 existing Chili's Grill & Bar units in Alberta and create a Canadian subsidiary.
The move is part of Brinker's plans to develop the brand in Canada.
The 11 existing Chili's restaurants generate about $35m in annual sales.
The transaction is expected to close in June 2013.
In 1991, Speedy Creek became Chili's first international franchisee.
Founded in 1975, Brinker International owns or franchises nearly 1,600 outlets in 33 countries and two territories.
Brinker's wholly-owned restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy.
