Dunkin’ Brands May be Going Private in a Deal Worth Almost $9B

Dunkin Brands, the parent company of Dunkin’, which was formerly known as Dunkin Donuts, and Baskin-Robbins, is in talks to go private in a sale to the owner of Arby’s, Sonic, Jimmy John’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Private equity group Roark Capital’s Inspire Brands is in discussions to acquire Dunkin’ Brands. Inspire is backed by the private equity firm Roark Capital. The potential deal was first reported this past weekend by the New York Times.

Inspire Brands would pay $106.50 per share for Dunkin’ Brands, representing a premium of about 20% over Friday’s closing price, according to the Times report. That would make the deal worth nearly $9 billion.

“Dunkin’ Brands confirms that it has held preliminary discussions to be acquired by Inspire Brands,” the company said Sunday in a statement to USA TODAY.

“There is no certainty that any agreement will be reached. Neither group will comment further unless and until a transaction is agreed.”

Dunkin’ Brands has more than 13,000 Dunkin’ locations and about 8,000 Baskin-Robbins.

“We do not comment on rumors around potential acquisition targets,” Inspire Brands spokesperson Shelden Hunnicutt said.

The discussions come at a time when the dining industry has been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic where most indoor eating has been shut down. Dunkin’ has fared better than most as it does not rely on casual dining.