A talented collection of lawyers and consultants led the way to make the deal possible
CHICAGO – One of the largest, longtime Dunkin’ Donuts operators in the Chicagoland market recently divested its 67 stores to a series of other operators within the system. The sale marks the largest single transfer of Dunkin’ Donuts locations in the company’s 67-year history. It was completed early-fall and involved seven separate buyer groups. Terms of the deal cannot be disclosed.
The seller was represented by Marks & Klein, LLP, the New Jersey-based law firm that works alongside some of the world’s most dynamic multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees at all stages of their investment lifecycles. The Marks & Klein, LLP team was led by Andrew P. Bleiman, Esq. of its Chicago office.
On the buyers’ side of the deal, David Paris and Michael Ackerman of Paris Ackerman LLP were tapped to represent the acquisition groups. The firm has a committed focus on complex, multi-unit franchise transactions and franchise finance, and has garnered a reputation for being ‘dealmakers’ in the franchise industry.
“We had an extraordinary group of people working together to make this deal happen; because everyone did their part, the sale, although complicated, was a win-win for the selling and buying parties as well as Dunkin,” Bleiman said.
“This is a historic deal, and one that we are extremely proud to have worked on with an incredibly talented and committed team of dealmakers on all sides. The entirety of this deal took a lot of focus and discipline to follow the process, with everyone working efficiently and negotiating to all our satisfaction,” Paris said.
JCM Franchise Development, LLC, a subsidiary of Joyal Capital Management, LLC, served as the investment advisor to the seller and helped facilitate the sale. The company has been a strategic advisor to Dunkin Donuts franchisees since 1990 and has helped to identify prospective buyers and has served in an advisory role to facilitate the sales. Highlighting the deal, the Plymouth, Mass.-based firm worked alongside the participating parties and brokered the close of three of the seven deals in one day. Built on a commitment to earning and growing long-lasting relationships, JCM Franchise Development, aimed to simplify the acquisition process, while maintaining a high quality transaction.
“Dunkin’ Donuts holds its buyers to a high standard. It’s with that commitment in mind that we carefully paired up the seller with talented, experienced buyers that can carry on the brand’s tradition throughout Chicagoland,” said Daniel Connelly, managing director of JCM Franchise Development, LLC, who was the lead consultant for each of the deals.
From start to finish, the sale of the 67 franchise locations in Chicago took less than a year to complete.
Marks & Klein, LLP
Marks & Klein, LLP is recognized as one of the leading franchise and business law firms in the United States. Marks & Klein, LLP attorneys have diverse experience and represent, counsel and advise clients across numerous industries on general business, transactional and litigation matters.
To learn more about Marks & Klein and for a list of practice areas, visit www.marksklein.com or call 312-206-5162 or 732-747-7100.
Paris Ackerman LLP
Paris Ackerman LLP is a boutique law firm that focuses on franchise, licensing and distribution transactions, as well as commercial real estate and leasing transactions. The firm represents some of the largest multi-unit operators in the nation’s top brands, as well as family officers, private equity firms, celebrities and professional athletes.
To learn more about Paris Ackerman and for a list of practice areas, visit www.parisackerman.com or call (973) 228-6667.
JCM Franchise Development, LLC
JCM Franchise Development, LLC specializes in the acquisition and disposition of franchised businesses on behalf of our clients and other franchisee owners. JCM Franchise Development, LLC takes a holistic, non-transactional approach to each engagement, integrating the myriad of constituencies that have a role and a voice in the increasingly complex arena of franchising.
To learn more about JCM Franchise Development, LLC, visit www.jcmfranchise.com or call 508-747-2237.