Zoe's Kitchen Agrees To Be Acquired By CAVA Group

(RTTNews) - Zoe's Kitchen Inc. (ZOES) said Friday that it agreed to be acquired in a transaction by privately held Cava Group, Inc. The combined companies will have 327 restaurants in 24 states throughout the U.S.

As per the terms of the agreement, Zoës Kitchen shareholders will receive $12.75 in cash for each share of common stock they hold. This represents a premium of approximately 33% to Zoës Kitchen's closing share price on August 16, 2018 and a premium of approximately 33% to Zoës Kitchen 30-day volume weighted average price ended on August 16, 2018, and an enterprise value of about $300 million.

The acquisition of Zoës Kitchen will be financed through a significant equity investment in CAVA led by Act III Holdings, the investment vehicle created by Ron Shaich, founder, chairman, and former CEO of Panera Bread, and funds advised by The Invus Group, with participation from existing investors SWaN & Legend Venture Partners and Revolution Growth.

After closing, Brett Schulman, current Chief Executive Officer of CAVA, will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the combined company and will work closely with the existing leadership teams at Zoës Kitchen and CAVA to oversee their growth and evolution. Ron Shaich will serve as Chairman of the combined company.