FAT Brands Announces Planned Acquisition of Johnny Rockets

Rhea-AI Summary

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) has announced its acquisition of the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain for approximately $25 million, funded through cash and securitization proceeds. The deal is expected to close in September 2020, expanding FAT Brands' portfolio to over 700 restaurants worldwide, with annual sales exceeding $700 million. Johnny Rockets, known for its 1950s diner aesthetic, operates over 325 locations globally. CEO Andy Wiederhorn emphasized the transformative nature of this acquisition, highlighting synergies with existing brands.

Positive

• Acquisition of Johnny Rockets enhances FAT Brands' portfolio, adding scale and brand awareness.
• Transaction value of $25 million funded through cash and securitization proceeds.
• Post-acquisition, FAT Brands will operate over 700 restaurants with annual sales exceeding $700 million.
• Synergies anticipated between Johnny Rockets and existing FAT Brands restaurant concepts.

Negative

• None.

Global Franchisor To Beef Up Burger Portfolio with World-Wide All-American Restaurant Chain

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) announced today that it has agreed to acquire the Johnny Rockets restaurant chain from an affiliate of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners, Inc. for approximately $25 million. The deal will be funded through cash on hand and proceeds generated from the Company’s securitization facility. The purchase is expected to be completed in September 2020. With the acquisition of Johnny Rockets, FAT Brands will have more than 700 franchised and company owned restaurants around the globe with annual system-wide sales exceeding $700 million.

Johnny Rockets was founded in 1986 with its first location on the iconic Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, California. Known for its 1950s diner style décor, the chain serves up freshly-made, classic burgers and indulgent, hand-spun real ice cream shakes. Johnny Rockets currently has over 325 locations across the U.S. and internationally, including 9 company owned locations.

“FAT Brands is delighted to carry the torch from the affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., a global private equity leader with deep investment and operational experience, and run hard,” said Andy Wiederhorn, President and CEO of FAT Brands. “Similar to Fatburger, Johnny Rockets got its start in Los Angeles, and we couldn’t be more pleased to add another true staple in our home city to our portfolio. This acquisition is a transformative event for FAT Brands in terms of scale and brand awareness. We see a lot of synergy with Johnny Rockets and our current restaurant concepts and we are eager to take the brand to new heights.”

Duff & Phelps served as financial advisor to Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP acted as legal counsel to Sun Capital Partners, Inc., Loeb & Loeb LLP acted as legal counsel to FAT Brands and Andersen Tax LLC served as tax advisor to FAT Brands Inc.

For more information, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

Management’s Prepared Remarks

FAT Brands will host management’s prepared remarks at 9:00 AM ET today, Thursday, August 13^th, accessible via webcast at www.fatbrands.com under the “invest” section or via phone by dialing 1-877-705-6003. A replay will be available after the call until August 20^th, 2020, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921. The passcode is 13708482.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual and casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns eight restaurant brands: Fatburger, Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises over 375 units worldwide. For more information, please visit www.fatbrands.com.

About Johnny Rockets

Founded in 1986 on iconic Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, Johnny Rockets is a world-renowned, international restaurant franchise that offers high quality, innovative menu items including items including Certified Angus Beef^® cooked-to-order hamburgers, Boca Burger^®, chicken sandwiches, crispy fries and rich, delicious hand-spun shakes and malts. With nearly 325 franchise and corporate locations in over 25 countries around the globe, this dynamic lifestyle brand offers friendly service and upbeat music contributing to the chain’s signature atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun. To learn more about the Johnny Rockets brand, please visit the brand website at www.johnnyrockets.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

In 2020, Sun Capital Partners, Inc. celebrates 25 years of investing; identifying companies’ untapped potential, and accelerating value through operational excellence. Since 1995, Sun Capital has invested in more than 375 companies worldwide with revenues in excess of $50 billion across a broad range of industries and transaction structures. Over the quarter century, the Firm has built a reputation as a trusted partner recognized for its investment and operational experience, including particular expertise in Business and Consumer Services, Healthcare, Industrial and Consumer sectors. Sun Capital has offices in Boca Raton, Los Angeles and New York, and an affiliate with offices in London.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the future financial performance and growth of the Company and Johnny Rockets, the Company’s ability to complete the acquisition of Johnny Rockets, the Company’s ability to leverage its expertise and infrastructure and successfully integrate and exploit the synergies of the acquisition, and the Company’s ability to conduct future accretive acquisitions. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies including, but not limited to, uncertainties surrounding the severity, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond our control and which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

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Contacts
Media Relations:
JConnelly
Erin Mandzik
emandzik@jconnelly.com
862-246-9911

Investor Relations:
ICR
Ashley DeSimone
IR-FATBrands@icrinc.com
646-677-1827

FAQ

What is the purpose of FAT Brands acquiring Johnny Rockets?

The acquisition aims to enhance FAT Brands' portfolio, scale, and market presence.

What is the acquisition value of Johnny Rockets by FAT Brands?

FAT Brands is acquiring Johnny Rockets for approximately $25 million.

When is the acquisition of Johnny Rockets expected to be completed?

The acquisition is expected to be finalized in September 2020.

How many restaurants will FAT Brands have after acquiring Johnny Rockets?

After the acquisition, FAT Brands will have over 700 franchised and company-owned restaurants.

What are the expected annual sales for FAT Brands post-acquisition?

FAT Brands expects annual system-wide sales to exceed $700 million after the acquisition.