Inspire Brands Buys Sonic For $2 Billion

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company based in Sandy Springs, and Oklahoma City-based Sonic Corp announced Tuesday they have entered into a merger under which Inspire will acquire Sonic for $2.3 billion.

Inspire's portfolio includes more than 4,700 Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rusty Taco locations worldwide. Following the sale, Sonic will be a privately-held subsidiary of Inspire, and will continue to operate as an independent brand.

"Sonic is a highly differentiated brand and is an ideal fit for the Inspire family," said Paul Brown, CEO of Inspire Brands. "We have tremendous respect for Sonic's exceptional team of employees and franchise owners, who have built one of the industry's most distinctive restaurant brands. We're excited to build on Sonic's momentum as we leverage our combined expertise and capabilities to better serve guests, further support team members and franchisees and drive long-term growth."

Sonic is the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of chain's more than 3,600 drive-ins are owned by local business men and women.

"This value-maximizing transaction validates the actions we have taken over the last year to grow traffic and improve sales while delivering differentiated offerings and superior guest service," said Cliff Hudson, Sonic Corp. CEO. "Our Board of Directors, taking into account the views of shareholders, conducted a comprehensive review of a wide range of strategic options to maximize shareholder value. This transaction delivers significant, immediate and certain value to Sonic shareholders, and the private ownership structure will provide important benefits to our guests, franchisees and employees.

Inspire Brand's announcement follows its decision to create more than 1,100 jobs and invest roughly $32 million over the next six years to launch its Global Support Center in Sandy Springs. Inspire's Global Support Center is expected to open in 2019 and serve as the hub for the company and restaurant brands. City of Sandy Springs spokesperson Sharon Kraun said the headquarters will open in Three Glenlake, which is located off Glenlake Parkway north of Abernathy Road and west of Ga. 400.

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Logo via Inspire Brands