Last month, Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group held a final close of Roark Capital Partners IV LP at its hard cap of $2.5 billion. Since founding in 2001, Roark has raised over $6 billion of equity capital commitments.
Roark focuses on consumer, business and environmental service companies, with a specialization around franchised and multi-unit business models in the retail, restaurant and consumer services sectors. Roark’s environmental services platform companies include Quala and Solterra Recycling Solutions.
Since its founding, Roark has acquired 34 franchise/multi-unit brands which have generated $16 billion in annual system revenues from 18,000 locations in 50 states and 72 countries. Roark’s current brands include Anytime Fitness; Arby’s; Atkins Nutritionals; Batteries Plus Bulbs; Carl’s Jr.; Corner Bakery; FOCUS Brands – which owns Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s; Hardee’s; Il Fornaio; Massage Envy; Miller’s Ale House; Money Mailer; Pet Valu; Primrose Schools; Waxing the City; and Wingstop.
Roark is currently investing out of Roark Capital Partners III LP, a $1.5 billion fund raised in September 2012. The firm takes its name from Howard Roark, the protagonist in Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” (www.roarkcapital.com).
Lazard Frères & Co. was the placement agent for the new fund and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison provided legal counsel to Roark.
© 2015 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 1-13-15
