Dunkin’ Brands Group negotiating acquisition by Inspire Brands

Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., the parent company of the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins brands, announced it “has held preliminary discussions to be acquired by Inspire Brands.”

In a press statement, the Canton, Massachusetts-based Dunkin”™ Brands Group tersely noted, “There is no certainty that any agreement will be reached. The company will not comment further unless and until a transaction is agreed or discussions are terminated.”

Inspire Brands is owned by the private equity group Roark Capital and runs the restaurant brands Arby”™s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John”™s and Sonic. The New York Times, citing anonymous sources “with knowledge of the negotiations,” reported the acquisition could be announced as soon as today, with the publicly traded Dunkin”™ Brand Groups being taken private in a $106.50-per-share deal totaling nearly $9 million.

Inspire Brands did not issue a public comment on the negotiations.

Dunkin”™ Brands Group has 21,000 franchised outlets, with 2019 revenue of $1.4 billion and a $240 million profit. In July, the company announced it was closing 800 locations across the nation, citing weak second quarter revenue.