Reports have surfaced that Panera Bread (NASDAQ:PNRA) is exploring a possible sale. According to sources close to the company, Panera is working with advisors to look over strategic options after receiving takeover interest. Potential suitors could include JAB Holding Co., Starbucks Corp. and Domino’s Pizza Inc., according to people with knowledge of the matter.
There’s no indication that a deal of any sort will be reached in the near future, said one of the people, who asked not to be named discussing the private process. When asked about the reports, Panera Chief Financial Officer Michael Bufano said, “As a matter of policy, we never comment on rumors or speculation.” The bakery chain has a market value of about $6.5 billion.
Trading in shares of Panera was briefly halted for volatility on Monday. The share had risen more than 7 percent before trading was halted. Panera’s stock surged again once trading resumed, reaching an all-time high of $292.42 a share. Panera’s stock is up more than 34 percent over the last year and has risen more than 39 percent since January.
Panera has become one of the largest chains in the fast casual segment, mainly due to its reputation as a healthy brand. The company sells breads, pastries, soups, salads and sandwiches and does not use artificial additives and preservatives in its foods. The goal took years of meticulous work to achieve. In 2015, it released its “No-No list,” which banned 150 ingredients from its products, including lard and sucralose.
Panera could become the fourth major restaurant chain to be purchased this year. Oak Hill Capital Partners has announced it will acquire Checkers Drive-In through a $525 million deal. Last week, Restaurant Brands International bought Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for $1.8 billion. Then there is Darden Restaurants, which is planning to buy Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for $780 million.
