Consortium Completes Dunkin' Brands Acquisition

02/03/06 A consortium of global private equity firms consisting of Bain Capital Partners LLC, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP has completed the acquisition of Dunkin' Brands Inc. from Pernod Ricard SA for $2.425 billion in cash. Dunkin' Brands announced on December 12, 2005 that it had reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by the consortium.

Jon L. Luther, Chief Executive Officer of Dunkin' Brands, has been appointed Chairman of the newly formed Board of Directors, and Will Kussell, Chief Operating Officer of the company, will also serve on the Board. Bain Capital, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners will each have three board seats.

"This is an exciting time for Dunkin' Brands, and we are pleased to have such experienced partners to help us execute our strategy of aggressive expansion for our three proven brands," said Luther. "With strong consumer loyalty, excellent franchisee relationships and an outstanding management team already in place, Dunkin' Brands is well-positioned for tremendous growth. We are driven by a passion to raise the bar on the quality and variety of food and beverages available in the quick service industry and change expectations about what is possible in a quick meal on the go."

"As an independent company with new owners committed to providing the resources needed to support its growth plan, we believe Dunkin' Brands is ideally situated to execute its strategy across the Dunkin' Donuts, Togo's and Baskin-Robbins brands and geographies," the consortium members said in a statement.