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Inspire Brands to buy Jimmy John's

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September 25, 2019

Inspire Brands has announced that it has agreed to acquire fast casual sandwich chain, Jimmy John's, which will make it the nation's fourth-largest restaurant company. The agreement was unanimously approved by the Jimmy John's board along with its chair and namesake of the brand, Jimmy John Liautaud. A press release about the transaction said the financial terms would not be disclosed. 

As the parent company of Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In and Rusty Taco, Inspire Brands oversees more than 8,300 locations worldwide. But with the Jimmy John's acquisition it will grow to include brands with more than $14 billion in annual system sales and more than 11,200 restaurants in 16 countries.

"Jimmy John's has found the ideal home at Inspire," Liautaud said in the release. "Inspire's long-term approach, culture of innovation and commitment to helping brands grow, sets it apart from the rest. I couldn't be prouder of the company we've built, and I can't wait to see what Jimmy John's is able to accomplish under Inspire's leadership."

The transaction is expected to close the end of next month. At that time, James North will serve as Jimmy John's president, while Liautaud will step down as board chair and become an advisor to the brand.

"Jimmy John's is a great fit for the Inspire family," Inspire Brands co-founder and CEO Paul Brown, said in the release. "What started in 1983 as a sandwich shop in a converted garage in Charleston, Illinois, has grown into a national, differentiated brand with a passionate fanbase. We are excited to welcome the Jimmy John's brand to Inspire and look forward to working with their team and franchisees to help the company achieve its next stage of growth."

Inspire Brands was founded a year ago and is based in Atlanta. Jimmy John's began in 193 and now has more than 2,800 stores in 43 states.