Dunkin' Donuts Goes Private: What To Know About $8 Billion Deal

The Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. is being bought out by Inspire Brands for $8.76 billion, bringing together several restaurants in one of the largest groups to date.

Inspire Brands already owns Arby’s, as well as Buffalo Wild Wings and Sonic Drive-In. This deal will now acquire Dunkin’ stores and Baskin-Robbins and add them to the company portfolio.

“We are excited to bring meaningful value to shareholders who ... believe that Inspire Brands ... 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,” the CEO of Dunkin’ Brands, Dave Hoffmann told Reuters.

It’s said that Dunkin’ will strengthen Inspire Brands because of the international platform the company already has, and how many loyal customers it has.

Including all the debt in the deal, Inspire spent a total of $11.3 billion.

This puts each share of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins at approximately $106.05, according to the New York Times.

Sales have been down at Dunkin’ because of the coronavirus pandemic, but partnering with Tik Tok star Charli D’Amelio and keeping its drive-thru lanes open has helped with traffic and business.

Before the buyout, Dunkin’ Brands operated 12,900 Dunkin’s and over 8,000 Baskin-Robbins. This will add at least 20,900 additional locations to Inspire Brands already 11,000 restaurants.

When the news was announced on Twitter, fans of the restaurant shared their concerns.

One said, “I hope they don’t get rid of the Boston Creme Donut. save the #bostoncreme.”

Another tweeted, “By the end of pandemic, most of businesses will be own by fewer companies. I’m still waiting for amazon taking over Macy’s Bloomingdales.”

This deal was confirmed late Friday night.