ATLANTA, July 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that focuses on investing in franchise and brand management companies, announced today that its affiliate has completed the acquisition of Arby’s Restaurant Group, the second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the United States with more than 3,600 restaurants.

Neal Aronson, Managing Partner of Roark Capital Group, said, “Arby’s is an iconic brand with a unique position in the marketplace. We are excited to partner with Arby’s President Hala Moddelmog and the many dedicated employees and franchisees of the Arby’s brand.”

Arby’s represents the 21st franchise brand and the 11th restaurant company acquired by Roark. Roark’s franchise systems generate nearly $8 billion of system revenues through approximately 3,500 franchisees and 10,000 stores that operate in 50 states and 47 countries.

Moddelmog, Arby’s President, added, “We are very excited about what the future holds as part of the Roark family of franchise brands. Roark’s proven track record in the franchise and restaurant sectors makes them an ideal partner for Arby’s.”

About Roark Capital Group

Roark Capital Group is an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in franchise, brand management, environmental services and marketing services companies with attractive growth prospects. Roark focuses on middle-market investment opportunities through family-owned business transfers, management and corporate buyouts, recapitalizations, going-private transactions and corporate divestitures. Roark has now acquired 21 franchise/multi-unit brands that operate in 50 states and 47 countries. Its current franchise/multi-unit portfolio includes Arby’s, Auntie Anne’s, Batteries Plus, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Corner Bakery, Fast Signs, Il Fornaio, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Money Mailer, Pet Valu, Primrose Schools, Schlotzsky’s, Wingstop and the franchisor of Seattle‘s Best Coffee on certain military bases and in certain international markets. The firm has more than $1.5 billion of equity capital under management. For more information, visit www.roarkcapital.com.

About Arby’s

Atlanta-based Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the second largest quick-service sandwich chain in the U.S. with more than 3,600 restaurants. In addition to its classic Roast Beef and Beef ‘n Cheddar sandwiches, slow-roasted and thinly sliced in-store daily, Arby’s is also known for its deli-style Market Fresh line of sandwiches, Curly Fries and Jamocha Shakes. The latest news on the Arby’s menu includes the 2011 introduction of its Angus Three Cheese & Bacon sandwich, which is Arby’s first premium Angus beef offering. To learn more about Arby’s, please visit www.arbys.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Roark Capital Group – Monica Rutkowski, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or
mrutkowski@fishmanpr.com

Arby’s Restaurant Group – Cathie Koch, Arby’s Restaurant Group, (678) 514-4147 or
CKoch@arbys.com

SOURCE Roark Capital Group