Wine and spirits group Pernod Ricard has completed the sale of quick service restaurant business Dunkin’ Brands for US$2.425bn to a consortium of global private equity firms.


The consortium, consisting of Bain Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H Lee Partners, first tabled its bid on 12 December 2005. It will purchase the entire portfolio of US-based Dunkin’ Brands, including Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo’s.


Net proceeds of the sale, equalling around $1.7bn after tax and transaction costs, will be used to reduce the current debt level at Pernod Ricard, following its acquisition of Allied Domecq last year. 


In a statement, Pernod Ricard extended its best wishes to Dunkin’ Brands for the future under its new ownership.