Focus Brands to buy Auntie Anne’s

New York City Focus Brands will buy soft pretzel chain Auntie Anne's for an undisclosed amount.

The Lancaster, Pa.-based chain has about 1,100 stores. The deal should close later this fall.

Atlanta-based Focus runs Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky's, Moe's Southwest Grill and Seattle's Best Coffee.

"We've been looking for a couple of years for another brand to bring under Focus Brands," said Russ Umphenour, CEO of Focus Brands. "We want brands and products that are unique. This really fits it."

Umphenour expects to grow the brand both domestically and internationally.

Auntie Anne's, which will remain based in Lancaster, has about 200 international locations.

Focus Brands is unit of Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital.