Burger King® Company Completes Acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group

Rhea-AI Summary

Restaurant Brands International (RBI) (TSX: QSR) (NYSE: QSR) has completed its acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group (formerly NASDAQ: TAST) for $9.55 per share, totaling approximately $1 billion. The acquisition adds Carrols' 1,023 Burger King and 59 Popeyes restaurants to RBI's portfolio. RBI plans to invest $500 million in reimaging over 600 Carrols locations before refranchising most of them over the next seven years. Additionally, RBI amended its Credit Agreement, increasing the term loan B facility to $5.9 billion to finance the acquisition.

Positive

• Completed acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group for $1 billion.
• Acquisition adds 1,023 Burger King and 59 Popeyes restaurants to RBI's portfolio.
• Investment of $500 million planned to reimage over 600 Carrols locations.
• Refranchising strategy aims to optimize operations over the next seven years.
• Increased term loan B facility to $5.9 billion under favorable terms.

Negative

• Acquisition financed through increased debt, potentially raising financial risk.
• Total transaction cost of $1 billion is significant, impacting cash reserves.
• Plans for refranchising may introduce uncertainty and operational disruptions.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI) has completed its acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group, the largest Burger King franchisee in the United States. This acquisition, valued at $1.0 billion, is a significant move in RBI's 'Reclaim the Flame' plan, aiming to rejuvenate the brand and expand its market share.

From a financial perspective, the use of an all-cash transaction indicates strong liquidity and confidence in the acquisition's return on investment. The subsequent investment of $500 million to reimage more than 600 Carrols restaurants shows a commitment to brand enhancement and customer experience improvement, which could positively affect sales and market presence.

Moreover, the amendment and increase of the Term Loan B Facility from $5.2 billion to $5.9 billion demonstrates RBI's strategic use of leverage to finance the acquisition without heavily diluting equity. The payoff of Carrols' credit agreement and redemption of outstanding senior notes could streamline debt management and reduce financial risk for RBI in the long term, as higher interest debts are managed efficiently.

In the short term, investors should watch for integration costs and potential initial impacts on profitability. However, in the long term, the expansion could lead to increased revenue and market share, providing a positive outlook for shareholders.

Market Research Analyst

This acquisition significantly enhances RBI's market footprint, particularly in the United States where Carrols operates 1,023 Burger King and 59 Popeyes restaurants. The strategic move aligns with RBI's goal to reclaim market leadership through brand revitalization and improving customer engagement.

The plan to invest $500 million to reimage the acquired restaurants suggests a major overhaul in the customer experience and service quality, potentially attracting more patrons and increasing sales volumes. The decision to refranchise the majority of these restaurants within seven years to smaller operators signals a shift towards a more decentralized operational model, which could lead to operational efficiencies and localized marketing strategies, enhancing competitiveness.

Long-term implications include potential market expansion and increased brand equity. However, investors should stay cautious of market saturation risks and changes in consumer preferences in the fast-food sector.

TORONTO, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") (TSX: QSR) (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSP) announced today that it has completed its previously announced acquisition of all issued and outstanding shares of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Carrols") (formerly NASDAQ: TAST) that are not already held by RBI or its affiliates for $9.55 per share in an all cash transaction, or an aggregate total enterprise value of approximately $1.0 billion.

With the close of the acquisition, RBI adds the largest Burger King® ("BK") franchisee in the United States to its portfolio as part of the Company's Reclaim the Flame plan. As previously announced, the Company will invest a further $500M to accelerate the reimaging of more than 600 Carrols restaurants before refranchising the majority of the acquired portfolio to new or existing smaller franchise operators over the next seven years.

In addition, on May 16, 2024, subsidiaries of RBI entered into an amendment to their existing Credit Agreement (the "2024 Amendment") increasing the existing term loan B facility with $5.2 billion outstanding to a $5.9 billion term loan B facility (the "Term Loan B Facility") under the same terms as the existing Term Loan B Facility. The proceeds from the increase in the Term Loan B Facility were used along with cash on hand to complete the acquisition of Carrols, including the payoff of its credit agreement and the redemption and discharge of its outstanding 5.875% senior notes due 2029.

About Carrols Restaurant Group

Carrols is one of the largest restaurant franchisees in North America. It is the largest Burger King® franchisee in the United States, currently operating 1,023 Burger King® restaurants in 23 states as well as 59 Popeyes® restaurants in six states. Carrols has operated Burger King® restaurants since 1976 and Popeyes® restaurants since 2019. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.carrols.com.

About Burger King®

Founded in 1954, the Burger King® brand is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original Home of the Whopper®, the Burger King® system operates more than 19,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. Nearly all Burger King® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. To learn more about the Burger King® brand, please visit the Burger King® brand website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Restaurant Brands International Inc.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with over $40 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 30,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS®, BURGER KING®, POPEYES®, and FIREHOUSE SUBS®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. To learn more about RBI, please visit the company's website at www.rbi.com.

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SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Inc.

FAQ

What was the acquisition cost of Carrols Restaurant Group by RBI?

Restaurant Brands International acquired Carrols Restaurant Group for $9.55 per share, totaling approximately $1 billion.

How many restaurants were added to RBI's portfolio from the Carrols acquisition?

The acquisition added 1,023 Burger King and 59 Popeyes restaurants to Restaurant Brands International's portfolio.

What is the investment plan post-acquisition for Carrols restaurants?

RBI plans to invest $500 million to reimage over 600 Carrols restaurants before refranchising the majority over the next seven years.

How did RBI finance the acquisition of Carrols Restaurant Group?

The acquisition was financed by increasing the Term Loan B facility to $5.9 billion, along with cash on hand.

What changes were made to RBI's Credit Agreement in 2024?

RBI amended its Credit Agreement, increasing the existing term loan B facility from $5.2 billion to $5.9 billion.