Rumors are swirling that Dunkin' Donuts has hired JPMorgan Chase and Barclays Capital to advise the company on offering an initial public offering at some point this summer. The move is expected to raise between $500 and $700 million and was first reported by CNBC Thursday.
A spokesperson for the company refused comment on "rumors and speculation."
Dunkin' Donuts went private in 2005 for a $2.4 billion buyout by Bain Capital Partners, the Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Partners.
Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, headquartered in Canton, Mass. The company also owns Baskin-Robbins.
Upgraded website, university
Earlier this week, Dunkin' Donuts debuted a new website design that has a heavier focus on social media and usability.
The site also is mobile-friendly and easier to navigate than the former design. A Dunkin' Donuts locator and map is available, as is information on unit hours, WiFi availability and menu options. The site features real-time feeds from Dunkin' Donuts' Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages.
It also was announced this week that Dunkin' Brands Training Center in Braintree, Mass., close to the company's Canton, Mass. headquarters, is undergoing a $2.7 million remodel.
The redesign includes an exterior upgrade, new parking lot and drainage system.
Inside the building, also known as Dunkin' Donuts University, mock shops of both Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins will be built.
The facility is used to train franchisees in the Dunkin' Brands system. The concept was founded in 1964 and has been in its current location since 1978.
