McDonald's® Named Amongst Best Companies to Work for in Latin America

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) was recognized as one of the Top 25 Best Companies to Work for in Latin America by Great Place to Work Institute, Inc. This award is given each year to companies who create a workplace environment where there is trust, pride, and camaraderie amongst employees as well as opportunities for growth.

McDonald's has been a part of Latin America's rich culture for more than 35 years and employs more than 100,000 people in the region in its more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries as well as regional and country offices. The first McDonald's restaurant in Latin America was established in Puerto Rico in 1967 and today, McDonald's commitment to people continues to be a top priority.

"Our commitment to our people is evidenced by the resources we put behind their training and development and by the chances we provide for young men and women in Latin America to create a lifetime of opportunity," said Jose Armario, president, McDonald's Latin America. "We're honored by this award -- not because of what it says about McDonald's Latin America -- but because of what it says about our people. Great places to work are made by the great people who work there."

On Friday, May 6, 2005, an award ceremony took place at the first-ever Latin American Great Place to Work Conference in Brazil. Cesar Martinez, Human Resources Officer for McDonald's Latin America, accepted the award on behalf of McDonald's. He also delivered the conference's keynote address.

"For years now, many of our individual Latin American countries have also been recognized by Great Place to Work Institute, Inc. Now, to hold this position for all of Latin America -- the credit really goes to all 100,000 of our employees," said Martinez.

This is the second consecutive year that McDonald's has received top honors by Great Place to Work Institute, Inc. This year's award winners were not named in rank order, but listed in alphabetical order.

This prestigious award comes on the heels of the 50th anniversary celebration of McDonald's Corporation where McDonald's celebrated 50 year of limitless opportunity. Twenty of McDonald's top 50 worldwide management began their careers in a McDonald's restaurant.

About McDonald's

McDonald's is the leading restaurant brand with more than 30,000 local restaurants serving nearly 50 million customers in more than 119 countries each day. Approximately 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.

About Great Place to Work® Institute

Great Place to Work Institute, Inc. is a global research and consulting firm dedicated to "building a better society by helping companies transform their workplaces." Through its education, consulting, and best companies list activities, Great Place to Work Institute recognizes the world's best workplaces and provides information and advisory services to those who seek to create great workplaces of their own. In addition to its global headquarters in San Francisco, Great Place to Work Institute has 26 affiliates in countries throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia. http://www.greatplacetowork.com/

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SOURCE: McDonald's

CONTACT: Tara McLaren, +1-630-623-7293, or Brad Trask, +1-630-623-7864,
both of McDonald's

Web site: http://www.mcdonalds.com/
http://www.greatplacetowork.com/