Dunkin’ Brands could be sold to Inspire Brands in $11.3 billion deal

Kelly Tyko
 
| USA TODAY
Pumpkin spice battle: Starbucks or Dunkin’?Pumpkin spice is everywhere this fall. But which coffee chain has the best drinks?Dunkin’ Brands is expected to join the Inspire Brands Inc. family.Private equity group Roark Capital’s Inspire Brands will purchase the parent company of the chain formerly known as Dunkin Donuts and Baskin-Robbins for approximately $11.3 billion and would assume the company’s debt, according to a news release late Friday. News of the potential sale started circulating Sunday. “Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins are category leaders with more than 70 years of rich heritage, and together they are two of the most iconic restaurant brands in the world,” said Paul Brown, co-founder and CEO of Inspire Brands, in a statement. “By joining Inspire, these brands will add complementary guest experiences and occasions to our current portfolio.”McDonald’s McRib is coming back: Barbecue sandwich will be available nationwide for the first time since 2012Black Friday 2020: Target, Best Buy, Walmart and Macy’s reveal holiday plansThe two brands announced Friday that they entered “into a definitive merger agreement,” which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Inspire and Dunkin’ Brands. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2020.The Wall Street Journal reported it’s considered one of the largest restaurant deals in years.Inspire Brands was formed two years ago by the merger of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. That same year the newly formed company bought Sonic, and in 2019 it also added Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches.Dunkin’ Brands has more than 12,500 Dunkin’ locations and about 8,000 Baskin-Robbins.“We are excited to bring meaningful value to shareholders who have been with us on this journey and believe that Inspire Brands, a preeminent operator of franchised restaurant concepts, will continue to drive growth for our franchisees while remaining true to all that is unique and special about the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins brands,” Dunkin’ Brands CEO Dave Hoffmann said in a statement.Earlier this year, Dunkin’ Brands announced plans to close about 450 locations inside Speedway gas stations.Contributing: Nathan Bomey and Josh Rivera, USA TODAYFollow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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