Dunkin’ Donuts IPO Talk Resumes

With more than 9,700 units in over 30 countries worldwide and revenues in the billions, it’s often hard to believe that Dunkin’ Donuts is not a public company. The chain has thus far been private-equity backed, and runs under the parent company Dunkin’ Brands Inc. which also owns Baskin-Robbins and owned Togo’s until it was sold off back in 2007.

A Reuters report pegs the brand’s possible value between $500 million and $750 million. Speculation about a possible Initial Public Offering came to light in 2005 when the brand was purchased by a group of private-equity firms, including Bain Capital, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners.

The Dunkin’ Brand reps were tight-lipped on the situation, as noted by NRN who inquired about information regarding the chain’s plans to go public, but were not gifted with information beyond that they don’t “respond to rumors or speculation”.

The reports surrounding the resurgent IPO talk come from unnamed sources that claim to be close to the company, noting that the talks are preliminary are subject to change. Are we ready to see a DNKN stock symbol? Would you put your money forward should the opportunity present itself?