CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A joint venture between private equity firms Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company LP has agreed to acquire chicken-and-biscuits chain Bojangles’ Inc. for $593.7 million in an all-cash transaction.
Bojangles’ (NASDAQ: BOJA) stockholders will receive $16.10 in cash for each share held, representing a 15 percent premium to the closing share price of Sept. 27, a day prior to a published report by Reuters that the company was exploring alternatives including a sale.
The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019 and is subject to shareholder approval. Once the transaction closes, Bojangles’ will operate as an independent, privately held company based in Charlotte.
“For the Bojangles’ family of employees, franchisees, and our customers, today’s announcement represents an exciting next phase for this great brand,” says Randy Kibler, Bojangles’ interim president and CEO. “The new ownership group is committed to maintaining the qualities of this brand that have sustained it for over four decades.”
Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas founded Bojangles’ in Charlotte in 1977. As of July 1, 2018, the company had 766 locations, of which 325 were company operated and 441 were franchised. The locations are primarily located in the Southeastern United States.
“Bojangles’ is an iconic brand with an authentic Southern heritage and a deeply loyal following,” said Eric Sobotka, managing partner at Durational Capital Management. “We have admired the brand and its high quality and craveable food for years, and we look forward to partnering closely with the employees and franchisees to drive its future growth and continued success.”
BOJA stock closed at $16.10 per share on Tuesday, Nov. 6, up from $12.40 one year ago.
— David Cohen