$220 million transaction will build on the success of SPB Hospitality’s existing portfolio with the addition of polished casual brands
Today, SPB Hospitality, an industry leading operator and franchisor of steakhouses, pizza and craft brewery restaurants, announced that it has agreed to acquire J. Alexander’s Holdings Inc. [NYSE:JAX] at $14.00 per share in an all-cash merger, which equates to an equity value of approximately $220 million. This represents a 14% premium over J. Alexander’s closing price on July 1, 2021, which was the last trading day prior to entering into the definitive merger agreement. The transaction is expected to close early in the fourth quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of the merger by J. Alexander’s shareholders.
J. Alexander’s Holdings, Inc. operates 47 upscale restaurants with award-winning brands including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Redlands Grill, Overland Park Grill and Merus Grill. For more than 30 years, J. Alexander’s guests have enjoyed a contemporary American menu and unparalleled polished service.
“We are honored to acquire these storied brands and look forward to welcoming this experienced team into the SPB family,” said SPB Hospitality Chief Executive Officer Jim Mazany. “This acquisition advances our vision to become the industry leader and a pioneer of hospitality, while developing our portfolio of brands and delivering best-in-class returns, one great restaurant at a time.”
Morgan McClure, President of SPB Hospitality and Managing Director at Fortress Investment Group, stated, “We have enormous confidence in SPB leadership and their vision for building a true industry leader in the hospitality space. J. Alexander’s exceptional team and established brands mark an important addition to the SPB family and a significant step forward in achieving SPB’s vision.”
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Configure Partners LLC served as financial advisors and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP served as legal counsel to SPB Hospitality and Fortress Investment Group. Piper Sandler & Co. served as financial advisor to J. Alexander’s Holdings Inc. and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC acted as the company’s legal counsel.
SPB Hospitality is a leading operator and franchisor of full-service dining restaurants, spanning a national footprint of hundreds of restaurants and breweries in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Based in Houston, the company’s diverse portfolio of restaurant brands includes Logan’s Roadhouse, Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, and a collection of specialty restaurant concepts. For more information about SPB Hospitality, visit spbhospitality.com.
J. Alexander’s Holdings, Inc. is a collection of restaurants that focus on providing high-quality food, outstanding professional service and an attractive ambiance. The Company presently operates 47 restaurants in 16 states. For additional information, visit JAlexandersHoldings.com.
