Who Owns Dunkin Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the world’s most iconic brands – and one of the most popular coffee and pastry shops. Founded by William Rosenberg in 1950, the Massachusetts-based company now operates more than 12,500 global locations in 46 countries. But who owns Dunkin’ Donuts?

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., the holding company responsible for Dunkin’ Donuts, is majority owned by private-equity firms Wilbur Lazard and J.H. Whitney & Co. These two firms purchased a majority stake in the company in 20012 through a leveraged buyout deal. In addition, a group of individual private investors, including former CEO Jon Luther, own a smaller portion.

Wilbur Lazard, based in New York, is a private equity firm founded by Wilbur Ross. The firm is best known for investments in distressed and bankrupt companies. J.H. Whitney & Co., also based in New York, invests in established middle-market companies with strong management teams in growing industries.

As of 2019, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is run by Chief Executive Officer and President, David Hoffmann. He took over from the former CEO, Nigel Travis, in 2018. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is the parent company of both Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins. Both restaurants are franchised and have a global presence.

In addition to the private-equity firms, some large institutional investors, such as Vanguard and State Street Corporation, directly own a portion of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. Class B shares.

In short, Dunkin’ Donuts is owned by a combination of private-equity firms, individual investors, and institutional investors. Despite changing ownership, the restaurant chain has managed to remain consistent in its product and continue expanding its global presence.