December 13, 2005
Looking Positive, Luther
As a follow-up to the October 11, 2005 blog entry, French beverage company Pernod Ricard SA has agreed to sell Dunkin’ Brands. A group of private equity firms, comprising of Thomas H. Lee Partners, the Carlyle Group and Bain Capital, agreed to pay $2.43 billion for Dunkin’ Brands, which includes Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlors and Togo’s sandwich stores. As reported here, other bidders reportedly included a syndicate led by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Trimaran Capital Partners, and a group led by Providence Equity Partners and J.P. Morgan Partners. The sale is expected to be completed early in 2006, subject to regulatory approval. The buyout group plans to continue expansion of Dunkin’ Donuts outside of the Northeastern United States. Dunkin’ Donuts has more than 6,000 stores in 30 countries and has a goal of 15,000 stores.
"I’m feeling very, very positive," said Dunkin’ Brands Chief Executive Officer Jon L. Luther.
Posted by admin-ic at December 13, 2005 05:06 PM