Restaurant mergers slow in 2012

Restaurant mergers — like the rest of the M&A market — have been slow in 2012, according to a recent article by PEHUB. Numerous industry experts indicate this year will likely not be as strong as 2011 for mergers in the space.
2011 was the second year in a row with major deals, including the acquisitions of California Pizza Kitchen and Il Fornaio, as well as Brentwood Associates‘ acquisition of K-MAC holdings, one of the largest franchisees of Taco Bell in the U.S.
Regardless, several restaurant chains are considering strategic options. Miami-based Benihana said on March 13 that it was looking at several options, including a sale.