OAK BROOK, ILL. — McDonald’s Corp. announced its global comparable sales increased 2.6% in January while system-wide sales for restaurants worldwide increased 9.1%, or approximately 4.3% in constant currencies.

“McDonald’s continues to deliver great-tasting, high-quality food at an outstanding value to the growing number of customers we serve around the world every day,” said James Skinner, chief executive officer. “As we raise the bar on our menu, convenience and value offerings, I am confident that we will exceed our customers’ expectations again in 2010.”

Despite the fact U.S. comparable sales at the Oak Brook-based fast-food chain fell 0.7% in January, McDonald’s said it still is outpacing the overall quick-service restaurant industry. The company pointed to its Breakfast Dollar Menu, the new portable Mac Snack Wrap and free Wi-Fi as factors helping U.S. operations.
European comparable sales rose 4.3%, driven by France and the United Kingdom, partly offset by Germany.

“Throughout Europe, affordable menu choices, seasonal and fourth-tier menu options and a contemporary restaurant environment make McDonald’s an easy choice for customers,” the company said.

Also in January, McDonald’s said comparable sales increased 4.3% in its Asian/Pacific, Middle Eastern and African markets. Leading the charge was performance in Japan and Australia, partly offset by a difficult comparison in China and other markets due to the timing of the Chinese New Year.