Scottish Labour leader's brother 'to make millions' from Kebab chain deal
Athif Sarwar is understood to have secured a deal worth upwards of £50 million between German Doner Kebab (GDK) and investment firm True, according to the Sunday Mail.
The Glasgow-based chain is owned by Hero Brands, in which Sarwar, 46, has more than 75 per cent of the shareholdings.
READ MORE: Is time running out for Anas Sarwar to stand against Keir Starmer?
The firm has previously come under fire for advertising jobs paying below the legal minimum wage, later claiming the job adverts were 'outdated' and posted in 'error'.
We exclusively revealed how GDK advertised dozens of jobs at below the National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour, which is the minimum for those aged 21 and over.
Last year, Anas Sarwar was forced to deny United Wholesale, a family firm, had failed to pay the Real Living Wage.
GDK had 170 global locations, and 145 in the UK.
The Scottish Labour leader, 42, is not involved in GDK or any family businesses.
Scottish Conservative MSP Annie Wells told the newspaper: 'It's pretty embarrassing for Anas Sarwar that while he preaches about the living wage, his own brother has seemingly amassed a fortune while ignoring it.'
(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Simon Wallis, GDK chief executive, confirmed the investment deal with London-based True.
'At GDK, we are inspired by our purpose to elevate the kebab-eating experience and it's great to be working alongside a partner that shares the vision of dominating the kebab category across the world and in every neighbourhood we operate in,' he said.
Sarwar, executive chairman of Hero Brands, said: 'The GDK movement has been blessed with monumental growth.
READ MORE: Greens leadership hopeful says 'soundbitey' nature of FMQs must end
'We have built an incredible team at GDK focused on delivering for our partners, franchisees and guests, and we are looking forward to the next phase of the GDK journey with True.'
The size of the investment was not confirmed, but GDK said it was investing from a fund 'committing £10-100million of equity to the future of retail and consumer sectors'.
The fast-food chain has nine Scottish restaurants, including in Glasgow, Stirling, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee and Hamilton.
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