London, England: British luxury group Burberry said it will buy the stores in China currently operated by its franchisee for 70 million pounds ($148 million) as it continues with moves to unify the brand on a global basis.

The firm said on Friday the deal with Kwok Hang Holdings for 50 stores across 30 cities was expected to add up to 20 million pounds to group operating profit in the 2011-12 year.

"This transaction is in line with Burberry's strategy of unifying the brand around the world, while at the same time increasing its exposure to retail and to high growth luxury markets," Burberry said.

The firm plans to drive productivity in existing stores and open new stores.

Last Tuesday, July 13, Burberry beat forecasts with a 24 percent rise in first-quarter underlying revenue.