Adds outlook details in paragraphs 5, 7 and 8, management comments in paragraphs 6 and 9.

By Julia Zmarzlik, Adrianna Ebert and Rafal Wojciech Nowak

GDANSK, April 17 (Reuters) - Central European quick-service restaurant operator Rex Concepts has set the maximum price for its initial public offering at 17.50 zlotys ($4.88) per share, it said late on Thursday.

The master franchisee of the Burger King and Popeyes brands in Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania will offer up to 32 million newly issued shares in the IPO. Rex Invest CEE will also sell up to 3.6 million existing shares for stabilisation purposes.

The final pricing is due to be announced around April 24 and the shares are expected to start trading on May 7.

Rex Concepts has previously said it expects gross proceeds of up to 560 million zlotys from the issuance of new shares. It plans to use the funds to finance its business plan and accelerate growth, possibly pursuing market consolidation in Central and Eastern Europe or introducing new brands within the quick-service food sector.

The company plans to open about 70 new restaurants in 2026 and aims to expand its network to around 700 locations across its three markets by 2032.

It is eyeing franchising opportunities in drinks, better-for-me and Mediterranean cuisine segments, CEO Olgierd Danielewicz said during a conference call.

Rex Concepts also aims to triple its revenue by 2028 and expand into additional markets exclusively within Central and Eastern Europe.

Its dividend policy does not foresee a dividend payment before 2029 due to franchise agreements.

"By opening 70 to 80 company-owned restaurants a year, or more, while pursuing our other growth plans, I think it is only natural that we want to be a growth-type company rather than a value-type one," finance chief Malgorzata Kloka said.

($1 = 3.5879 zlotys)