Inspire Brands to Acquire Jimmy John’s

Atlanta-based restaurant company Inspire Brands has entered into an agreement to acquire Jimmy John’s Sandwiches. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Jimmy John’s Board of Directors, including Founder and Chairman Jimmy John Liautaud. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Inspire Brands’ portfolio includes more than 8,300 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, SONIC Drive-In and Rusty Taco locations worldwide. Following the completion of the transaction, Inspire will be the fourth-largest restaurant company in the United States, with more than $14 billion in annual system sales and more than 11,200 restaurants across 16 countries.

Jimmy John’s, which is based in Champaign, IL, had $2.15 billion in U.S. sales last year across 2,803 stores, according to market-research firm Technomic Inc. At the close of the transaction, which is expected by the end of October, James North will serve as president of the Jimmy John’s brand. Jimmy John Liautaud will step down as chairman and transition to an advisor to the brand.

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