Krispy Kreme acquired in billion dollar deal

A company that achieved global fame for its simple glazed doughnuts has been acquired by the owners of a growing coffee empire.



Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has agreed to be acquired by JAB Beech Inc., a unit of German investment firm JAB Holding Company, for about $1.35 billion. The deal, which would take Krispy Kreme private, is the most recent in a string of purchases by JAB Holdings, including its acquisition in late 2015 of single-serve coffee maker Keurig Green Mountain.



JAB also has controlling stakes in other coffee companies, including Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Caribou Coffee, , Espresso House and Baresso Coffee. In addition, the company has controlling states in Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, the luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo, and Coty Inc.



Under the terms of the arrangement, Krispy Kreme will continue to be independently operated from its current headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C.



“JAB’s experience and industry knowledge make them the ideal partner to help grow the iconic Krispy Kreme brand throughout the world,” said Tony Thompson, CEO of Krispy Kreme, which operates more than 1,100 Krispy Kreme shops around the world.