McDonald's global sales edge higher in May

Associated Press

Oak Brook-based McDonald's says its global sales rose slightly in May as sales in China rebounded after last year's worries about avian flu.

Global sales at established restaurants grew 0.9 percent for the world's largest hamburger chain. A 2.5 percent increase in sales in its Asia, Middle East and Africa region was driven by strength in China and other Asian markets.

In the U.S., sales at restaurants open at least 14 months fell 1 percent, part of an ongoing slide as customers look for options they feel are fresher or healthier. Over the past year, McDonald's executives have conceded that the chain introduced too many items too quickly, causing service problems. They say they are trying to fix that.

In Europe, McDonald's largest market, the sales figure rose 0.4 percent.

McDonald's shares slipped in premarket trading Monday.