Which company acquired Dunkin' Brands, the owner of Dunkin', in 2020?

Inspire Brands acquired Dunkin' Brands, the owner of Dunkin', in 2020.

Inspire Brands announced the agreement to acquire Dunkin' Brands in October 2020, and the transaction was completed in December of that year. The deal valued Dunkin' Brands at approximately $11.3 billion, including assumed debt.

Dunkin' Brands also owned Baskin-Robbins at the time. After the acquisition, Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins joined Inspire’s growing portfolio of restaurant brands, which already included Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sonic Drive-In.

The transaction was significant because Dunkin' Brands operated mainly through franchised restaurants rather than company-owned locations. The acquisition consequently added a large international franchise network and a major coffee-and-doughnut brand to Inspire’s business.