Nothing Bundt Cakes is a franchisor and operator of almost 400 gourmet bakeries across the US and Canada, specialising in Bundt cakes and retail gift items. Products are handcrafted and baked on-site daily using ingredients and proprietary formulations distributed by its in-house facilities.
The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Addison, Texas.
“Kyle Smith and the entire Nothing Bundt Cakes team have built a truly unique business that is positioned for continued growth, with an incredible culture built around great people,” said Matthew Frankel, managing partner of Levin Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP).
“The Nothing Bundt Cakes investment has been very successful for LLCP, with exceptional same-store sales growth and robust franchise development. This was driven by the efforts of the company’s management team along with value creation initiatives, including technological enhancements, menu innovation, supply chain improvements, and the introduction of corporate stores through both strategic M&A and de novo openings.
“We are grateful for everything the management team and founder, Dena Tripp, have done to create value for its shareholders, bakery owners, and guests. We wish the team all the best in their next chapter.”
One-of-a-kind brand
NBC’s president and CEO Kyle Smith added, “Today marks an important milestone for the company, and we would like to thank LLCP for their close relationship with our team and for their valuable contributions and strategic insight over the years. LLCP’s deep expertise in franchising combined with their management-centric approach made for the perfect partner in scaling our business and further developing our one-of-a-kind brand.”
North Point and Baird served as financial advisors, Honigman LLP served as legal counsel to Nothing Bundt Cakes in connection with the sale.
LLCP has a 37-year track record of investing across various targeted sectors, managing approximately $11.7bn of institutional capital across 15 investment funds and investing in over 90 portfolio companies.
The company utilises a differentiated Structured Private Equity investment strategy, combining debt and equity capital investments in portfolio companies, which it says provides a less dilutive solution for management teams and entrepreneurs, while delivering growth and income with a significantly lower risk profile.
