Pizza chain Papa John’s is to boost its Indian footprint by purchasing a rival chain.

Papa John’s, Avan Projects and Global Franchise Architects have announced the acquisition of Pizza Corner stores in South India. Papa John’s will convert the existing Pizza Corner stores to Papa John’s branded restaurants in the first quarter of next year, increasing its presence in the key Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad markets.

“The merger provides us the opportunity to penetrate the market at a much more rapid pace, and increase our scale in a shorter period,” said Papa John’s in a statement.

Pizza Corner is part of the GFA brands, headquartered in Geneva and created by Bangkok based entrepreneur Fred Mouawad. GFA has more than 250 stores in six countries, its other brands including Donut Baker, Cream and Fudge and Coffee World. It has four brands and 120 stores in India.

Avan Projects, owned by the Mittal family in India, holds the master franchise agreement for Papa John’s in India through its subsidiary, Om Pizza and Eats. Avan is led by Atulya Mittal and is focused on capitalising on the consumption-driven growth story in India.

Papa John’s currently has 15 operating restaurants across India through its master franchisee for the region, Om Pizza and Eats. Through this merger, Papa John’s says it will significantly expand its presence by a minimum of 40 stores with conversions beginning in late 2014 and continuing into 2015.

The Quick Service Restaurant industry in India is worth an estimated $2.5 billion, accounting for 43 per cent of the overall foodservice business in the nation and growing at an annual rate of 25 per cent.

“We are energised about this accelerated International expansion for Papa John’s in Southern India,” said John Schnatter, founder and CEO of US-based Papa John’s.

“The merger provides us the opportunity to penetrate the market at a much more rapid pace, and increase our scale in a shorter period.”