Eleven years after crossing Atlantic, Big Macs are big with the British

Eleven years after crossing the Atlantic, the McDonald's hamburger chain has established a leading position in Britain's booming fast-food business. Helped by a shrewd TV advertising campaign, the British soon succumbed to the formula that sells 140 hamburgers a second in 36 countries on five continents. By the end of this year, McDonald's expects to have 196 restaurants in England, generating an estimated annual turnover of $172 million.

McDonald's is the leading fast-food chain in Britain. Its success has attracted to London its perennial American rivals, Burger King and Wendy's. Competition from pizza, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and fish and chips is also strong.