Panera Bread sold for $7.5 billion to Krispy Kreme owner
By Sarah Sutton • April 5, 2017
It didn’t take long for the Panera Bread rumors to turn into reality. After a hectic day of trading Monday, where talks of a potential sale skyrocketed shares, JAB Holding announced Wednesday morning that it agreed to buy the brand for $7.5 billion in cash. Following the close of the transaction, Panera will be privately held and continue to be operated independently by the company’s management team, including CEO and founder Ron Shaich.