Explaining its financial performance, Jollibee — which operates 17 brands in 33 countries — said the lingering pandemic's impact on its businesses around the world was "mixed" last quarter. Sales in the US sustained their recovery but it was the opposite in southern China, where sales growth slowed due to renewed lockdowns. Elsewhere in China, Jollibee said sales continued to "grow above pre-pandemic levels". Meanwhile, sales growth "reversed" in Southeast Asia particularly those in Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia while those in the Middle East and Europe "continued to improve." Despite pandemic uncertainties, Jollibee said it is buying out the rest of investors in Titan Dining LP, the private equity fund which ultimately owns the Tim Ho Wan brand, a Michelin star-awarded dim sum restaurant chain. The transaction, valued at SGD71.56 million, will effectively give Jollibee full ownership of Titan.