Arby’s Restaurant Group buying Buffalo Wild Wings for $2.9 Billion

Buffalo Wild Wings will exit the private market -- thanks to a $2.9 billion takeover deal from the owner of Arby's Restaurant Group, Roark Capital. Image: Buffalo Wild Wings, Twitter

ATLANTA & MINNEAPOLIS -- Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. and Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Arby’s Restaurant Group will acquire Buffalo Wild Wings for $157 per share in cash, in a transaction valued at approximately $2.9 billion, including Buffalo Wild Wing’s net debt. The agreement, which has been unanimously approved by both companies’ Boards of Directors, represents a premium of approximately 38% to Buffalo Wild Wing’s 30-day volume-weighted average stock price as of November 13, 2017, the latest trading day prior to news reports speculating about a potential transaction.

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“We are excited about this merger and confident Arby’s represents an excellent partner for Buffalo Wild Wings,” said Sally Smith, CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings. “This transaction provides compelling value to our shareholders and is a testament to the hard work and efforts of our talented Team Members and franchisees. We are confident that the strength of our two industry-leading brands, under the sponsorship of Roark Capital – an experienced restaurant and food service investor – will enable us to capitalize on significant growth opportunities in the years ahead,” she also added.

The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2018, subject to the approval of Buffalo Wild Wings shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals.

Following the close of the transaction, Buffalo Wild Wings will be a privately-held subsidiary of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. and will continue to be operated as an independent brand. Paul Brown will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the parent company.

Arby’s is majority owned by affiliates of Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta based private equity firm that focuses on investing in franchised and multi-unit businesses in the restaurant, retail and other consumer sectors. Affiliates of Roark are committing all of the equity that, together with the proceeds of debt financing, will be necessary to complete the transaction.

"Buffalo Wild Wings is one of the most distinctive and successful entertainment and casual dining restaurant companies in America,” said Paul Brown, CEO of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “We are excited to welcome a brand with such a rich heritage, led by an exceptionally talented team. We look forward to leveraging the combined strengths of both organizations into a truly differentiated and transformative multi-brand restaurant company,” he also added.

Certain funds advised by Marcato Capital Management, LP, which own approximately 6.4% of the outstanding shares of Buffalo Wild Wings, have entered into an agreement to vote in favor of the transaction.

Advisors
Barclays is serving as financial advisor and White & Case LLP is serving as legal counsel to Arby’s Restaurant Group. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor and Faegre Baker Daniels LLP is serving as legal counsel to Buffalo Wild Wings.

SOURCE Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. & Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., Business Wire