The Herbert Group, operator of central Europe's largest KFC franchise, has agreed the terms of a €30.7 million refinancing deal with Danske Bank for the purpose of supporting new investment and expansion plans.

The Irish Times reports that the Belfast-based company recently acquired a further 27 KFC outlets, with an eye to opening 20 more with funds from the new financing arrangement.

There are also plans in place to institute a KFC home delivery service in Northern Ireland, which is expected to generate 80 new jobs.

Herbert Group finance director Jason Carlisle referred to the recent acquisitions as a "strategic move" and declared that the Danske Bank refinancing deal would give the group a "platform and funding structure to pursue further acquisitions."