King & Spalding advised Roark Capital Group, an Atlanta-based private equity firm, in the acquisition of CKE Inc.
Carpinteria, Calif.-based CKE owns, operates or franchises a total of 3,400 quick-service restaurants in 42 U.S. states and 29 foreign countries and U.S. territories worldwide under the brands of Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s, Green Burrito and Red Burrito.
Roark Capital, with more than $3 billion in equity capital under management, specializes in franchise, brand management, environmental services and marketing services companies with attractive growth prospects. CKE is Roark’s 14th restaurant investment and Roark affiliates have also acquired other restaurant concepts including Miller’s Ale House, Arby’s, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Carvel Ice Cream, Corner Bakery, Il Fornaio, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s and Wingstop. Roark’s portfolio also includes brands such as Atkins Nutritionals, Massage Envy, Batteries Plus, Primrose Schools, Money Mailer, FASTSIGNS, and Pet Valu.
The King & Spalding legal team involved in the transaction was led by Atlanta corporate partner Ray Baltz and consisted of the following lawyers:
Corporate:
Bill Roche (partner, Atlanta)
Robert Leclerc (senior associate, New York)
Austin Dailey (associate, Atlanta)
Matthew McCoy (associate, Silicon Valley)
Michelle Stewart (associate, Atlanta)
Gina von Sternberg (associate, Atlanta)
Kai-Ting Yang (associate, New York)
Tax:
Wayne Pressgrove (partner, Atlanta)
Robert Beard (associate, Atlanta)
Employee Benefits:
Kenneth Raskin (partner, New York)
Ryan Gorman (associate, Atlanta)
Emily Meyer (associate, New York)
Antitrust:
Jeffrey Spigel (partner, Washington)
Brian Meiners (counsel, Washington)
