News

December 5, 2011

GE Capital Franchise Finance Provides $21.5 million to TBG Food Acquisition Corp., a leading Dunkin’Donuts Franchisee

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — GE Capital, Franchise Finance recently provided a $21.5 million credit facility to The Beekman Group’s portfolio company, TBG Food Acquisition Corp. (TBG FAC), a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee operating company. The facilities include an $18.5 million term loan and a $3 million revolver. Part of the funding was provided through GE Capital’s bank affiliate, GE Capital Financial Inc. “GE Capital was the best choice for this transaction based on their knowledge of our business, and their ability to recapitalize the company and provide a liquidity facility for ongoing growth”, said Andrew Marolda, managing director of The Beekman Group. TBG FAC is a portfolio company of The Beekman Group dedicated to acquiring and growing franchise locations of highly recognizable consumer brands in the quick service restaurant industry. TBG FAC currently operates approximately 50 Dunkin’ Brands locations throughout Westchester County, New York, Greenville, South Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina. TBG FAC is one of the largest franchisee networks in the Dunkin’ Brands system and plans to open an additional 20 stores over the next few years. “Our existing relationship with TBG FAC and our extensive industry knowledge enabled a very successful transaction,” explained Robert Daniel, senior vice president, GE Capital, Franchise Finance. “We continue to serve as a leading financing source to private equity funds across the restaurant industry.” The Beekman Group is a private equity firm dedicated to bringing capital and operational resources to small and middle-market companies through its team of seasoned private equity professionals and experienced Industry Operating Partners. Dunkin’ Donuts is a leader in coffee as well as franchising. According to Entrepreneur magazine's Best Franchising Businesses of 2011, Dunkin’ Donuts was ranked number 15 in the Franchise 500®, recognized at number 13 on the list of America’s top global franchises, and named the 29th fastest-growing franchise. The company has more than 9,000 units, with nearly 7,000 of those franchised restaurants. Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, Inc. About GE Capital, Franchise Finance  GE Capital, Franchise Finance is a leading lender for the franchise finance market via direct sales and portfolio acquisition. With more than 30 years of experience and $12 billion in served assets, we serve over 5,000 customers and over 22,000 property locations. We specialize in financing mid-market operators with multiple stores in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Our team of industry experts will work with you to help develop growth plans with access to our proprietary industry research and customized tools. More information is available at www.gefranchisefinance.com. Contacts GE Capital, Franchise Finance Christine Roe (480) 563-6260 [email protected]