Exhibit 99.1
PRESS RELEASE
| | | |
| Contact: | | Jeffrey W. Kip |
| | | Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer |
| Phone: | | (314) 633-7289 |
Panera Bread Reports Acquisition of
32 Bakery-Cafes from Franchisees in Illinois and Minnesota
St. Louis, MO, June 21, 2007 – Panera Bread Company (Nasdaq: PNRA) announced today that it has purchased 32 franchise-operated bakery-cafes and the area development rights for certain markets in Illinois and Minnesota for approximately $36.0 million in cash in the aggregate and the assumption of certain liabilities. Approximately $34.2 million of the acquisition price was paid with cash on hand at the time of closing with the remaining approximately $1.8 million to be paid with interest in twelve months. The Company currently expects the transaction to be neutral to modestly accretive to earnings for fiscal 2007.
Panera Bread Company owns and franchises bakery-cafes under the Panera Bread® and Saint Louis Bread Co.® names. With its identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu free of man-made trans fat, Panera’s bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across the country, guests are enjoying Panera’s warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access provided through a managed WiFi network. At the close of each day, Panera Bread bakery-cafes donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company’s website,panerabread.com. Panera also holds a 51% interest in Paradise Bakery& Café, Inc., owner and franchisor of 46 bakery-cafes.
Matters discussed in this news release, including any discussion or impact, express or implied, on the Company’s anticipated growth, operating results, and future earnings per share, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are often identified by the words “believe”, “positioned”, “estimate”, “project”, “target”, “continue”, “intend”, “expect”, “future”, “anticipates”, and similar expressions. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur or which we hereafter become aware, after that date. Forward-looking information expresses management’s present belief, expectations, or intentions regarding the Company’s future performance. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and could be negatively impacted by a number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following: inability to execute our growth strategy, including, among other things, variations in the number, timing, and successful nature of Company-owned and franchise-operated bakery-cafe openings and continued successful operation of bakery-cafes; failure to comply with government regulations; loss of a member of senior management; inability to recruit qualified personnel; failure or inability to protect our brand, trademarks, or other proprietary rights; competition; rising insurance costs; disruption in our supply chain or increases in ingredient, product, or other supply costs; disruptions or supply issues in our fresh dough facilities; health concerns about the consumption of certain products; complaints and litigation; risks associated with the acquisition of franchise-operated bakery-cafes; other factors, some of which may be beyond our control, effecting our operating results; and other factors that may affect restaurant owners or retailers in general. These and other risks are discussed from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2006 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
