S&C represents Ron Shaich, founder, chairman, and former CEO of Panera Bread, in connection with his investment vehicle Act III Holdings’ significant equity investment in Cava Group, Inc., to finance the acquisition of Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc. (NYSE:ZOES) for an enterprise value of approximately $300 million. Ron Shaich will serve as Chairman of the combined company.
Last year, S&C represented Panera Bread when it was acquired by JAB Holdings and earlier this year, S&C represented Ron Shaich and his affiliates when they acquired a majority interest in the Tatte Bakery & Café chain from Panera Bread.
The S&C team on the transaction was led by Frank Aquila and Audra Cohen, along with Kimberly Han, Patrick Loiseau, Steven Mermelstein and Annie Zhou. Ari Blaut and Courtland Morrice advised on financing matters; Mehdi Ansari and RuiHui Yu advised on intellectual property matters; Robert Schlein and Justin Silver advised on real estate matters; Ronald Creamer, Assaf Prussak and Jonathan Rhein advised on tax matters; Heather Coleman, Amanda Toy and Emily Hantverk advised on executive compensation and benefits matters; and Matthew Brennan advised on environmental matters.