Consumer & Retail

Our professionals have advised numerous companies in the consumer and retail industries and bring a firm understanding of their qualities and challenges. Our experience involves both large and small multi-unit operators in addition to both franchisors and franchisees. We have been active in a number of areas, including the following:

• Consumer
  • Rent-to-Own
  • Financial Services
  • Post-Secondary Education and Training
  • Lodging
• Restaurants
  • Quick-Service / Fast Casual Dining
  • Casual Dining
  • Family Dining / Buffet
• Retail
  • Specialty Retail
  • Branded Products

The following are representative transactions completed by our professionals:

• Served as financial advisor to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Tumbleweed, Inc. (formerly, Nasdaq: TWED), a 30+ unit casual dining concept, and rendered a fairness opinion in connection with a going private transaction via a reverse stock split.
• Served as financial advisor to an insider-led investor group on the $40 million acquisition of PJ America, Inc. (formerly, Nasdaq: PJAM), the largest franchisee of Papa John?s International.
• Served as financial advisor to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: CKR), a multi-concept restaurant company, and rendered a fairness opinion in connection with the sale of company-owned stores to affiliates of the company.
• Served as financial advisor to Clearidge, Inc., a distributor of bottled water products for residential and commercial delivery, on the sale of the company to Suntory Water Group.
• Served as financial advisor to Value Music Concepts, Inc., a retailer of discounted music in outlet shopping centers, in connection with a private placement of $14 million of senior debt, subordinated debt and equity capital to recapitalize the company.
• Served as financial advisor to Quest Education Corporation (formerly, Nasdaq: QEDC), an owner/operator of post-secondary schools, in connection with the adoption of a shareholder rights plan.
• Served as financial advisor to Atlanta Washer & Dryer Leasing, Inc. (d/b/a Appliance Warehouse), a consumer rent and rent-to-own company of appliances, in connection with its sale to Coinmach Service Corp. (AMEX: DRY).