KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS acquired by JAB BEECH
Context
JAB Beech completed its acquisition of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in July 2016 through a definitive deal that had originally been announced in May of that year. The deal was approved by Krispy Kreme shareholders at a special meeting and completed after the company received the required regulatory and shareholder approvals. The strategic logic was to place one of the most recognizable doughnut brands in the world into JAB's growing consumer portfolio, alongside its coffee and beverage assets. Krispy Kreme offered a premium sweet bakery concept with global brand awareness, a loyal customer following, and meaningful runway in coffee, international franchising, and wholesale distribution. JAB believed its industry knowledge and experience with consumer brands could help grow Krispy Kreme globally while preserving its identity as an independent operating business. The transaction also aligned well with JAB's broader strategy of combining beverages, bakery, and café concepts into a wider consumer ecosystem. Financially, the acquisition gave Krispy Kreme access to long-term private ownership and strategic capital for expansion.
KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2016, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Retail & Consumer sector (11.0x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. is a U.S.-based branded specialty retailer and wholesaler founded in 1937 and headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. The company is best known for its signature Original Glazed doughnut, but its business extends beyond doughnuts to include coffee, beverages, filled doughnuts, muffins, and other sweet bakery items. Krispy Kreme operates through a mix of company-owned shops, franchised locations, and wholesale channels, giving the brand multiple routes to market. The company built its identity around fresh, hot doughnuts, consistent product quality, and a strong café-style consumer experience. Its business model combines retail shop sales with franchising and wholesale distribution, allowing the brand to reach consumers both in-store and through third-party channels.
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Historical Financials (USD)
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 1b - 4b USD
Revenue range: 450M - 900M USD
EBITDA range: 50M - 100M USD
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Target: krispy kreme doughnuts
Acquirer: jab beech