Winston-Salem / NC. (kkd) Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc., and JAB Beech Inc., an indirect controlled subsidiary of JAB Holding Company (JAB) in which BDT Capital Partners is a minority investor alongside JAB, announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which JAB Beech will acquire Krispy Kreme for 21 USD per share in cash, or a total equity value of approximately 1.35 billion USD. The agreement, which has been unanimously approved by Krispy Kreme’s Board of Directors, represents a premium of approximately 25 percent over the Company’s closing stock price on May 06, 2016.
At the close of the transaction, Krispy Kreme will be privately owned and will continue to be independently operated from Krispy Kreme’s current headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Jim Morgan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Krispy Kreme, commented, «For nearly 80 years, our iconic brand has been touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme. This transaction puts us in the best possible position to continue to spread that joy to a growing number of people around the world while delivering significant value to Krispy Kreme shareholders. I am confident the JAB team is the right partner with whom to continue building upon our incredible legacy».
Tony Thompson, CEO of Krispy Kreme, commented, «JAB’s experience and industry knowledge make them the ideal partner to help grow the iconic Krispy Kreme brand throughout the world. We remain focused on our long term strategy and continuing to offer our premium, high-quality doughnuts and sweet treats to consumers around the world. We look forward to working with JAB to continue bringing the joy that is Krispy Kreme to a growing number of customers. Together with our talented team and our passionate franchisees, we will continue to build on the Krispy Kreme culture, values and commitment to our customers and guests».
Peter Harf, Senior Partner at JAB, commented, «We are thrilled to have such an iconic brand as Krispy Kreme joining the JAB portfolio. This is yet another example of our commitment to investing in extraordinary brands with significant growth prospects. We feel strongly that Krispy Kreme will benefit greatly from our long-term focus and support for management’s vision in building on the legacy of this exciting brand as an independent standalone entity».
Transaction Terms – Postponement of Annual Meeting
The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close in the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals.
In light of the announcement and pending transactions under the merger agreement, the Company’s Board of Directors has determined to postpone the Company’s 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, originally scheduled for June 14, 2016. At a later date, the Company will provide information related to a rescheduled meeting, if applicable.
Advisors
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is serving as financial advisor to Krispy Kreme in connection with this transaction and Simpson Thacher + Bartlett LLP and Womble Carlyle Sandridge + Rice, LLP are providing legal support and advice.
Barclays and BDT + Company LLC are serving as financial advisors to JAB Beech in connection with this transaction and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher + Flom LLP is providing legal advice.
About Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is a leading branded specialty retailer and wholesaler of premium quality sweet treats and complementary products, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, the Company has offered the highest quality doughnuts and great tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Today, there are over 1,100 Krispy Kreme shops in more than 26 countries around the world.
About JAB
JAB Holding Company is a privately held group focused on long-term investments in companies with premium brands, attractive growth and strong margin dynamics in the Consumer Goods category. The group’s portfolio includes controlling stakes in Keurig Green Mountain, a leader in single-serve coffee and beverage technologies, Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), the largest pure-play FMCG coffee company in the world, Coty Inc., a global leader in beauty, and in luxury goods companies including Jimmy Choo, Bally and Belstaff. JAB also has controlling stakes in Peet’s Coffee + Tea, a premier specialty coffee and tea company, Caribou Coffee Company, a specialty retailer of high-quality premium coffee products, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., a leading company in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry, and in Espresso House, the largest branded coffee shop chain in Scandinavia. JAB also owns a minority stake in Reckitt Benckiser PLC, a global leader in health, hygiene and home products. In July 2015, Coty announced it had reached a definitive agreement to purchase some of Procter + Gamble’s beauty brands to create one of the world’s largest cosmetic companies. JAB is overseen by its three Senior Partners, Peter Harf, Bart Becht (Chairman) and Olivier Goudet (CEO).
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