#United States #Levine Leichtman #Houston #Shipley Do-Nuts #Peak Rock

Peak Rock Capital Affiliate Finalizes Sale of Shipley Do-Nuts

In a significant move in the food retail segment, an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a prominent private equity firm, has announced the successful sale of Shipley Do-Nuts to Levine Leichtman Capital Partners as of July 28, 2025. Shipley Do-Nuts has long been a staple in the American donut scene, boasting more than 375 locations across 14 states and building a legacy of serving fresh, in-house made products since its founding in 1936.

During Peak Rock's tenure as owner, Shipley not only doubled its systemwide sales but also made substantial strides in expanding its footprint and enhancing its product offerings. This growth trajectory was fueled by strategic operational initiatives that included opening new locations, rolling out innovative products, and establishing a marketing cooperative with its franchisees. One of Peak Rock's most significant contributions was the development of a new corporate headquarters and a research and development lab aimed at fostering further growth.

Robert Strauss, Senior Managing Director at Peak Rock, expressed pride in the achievements Shipley has realized under their ownership, highlighting their commitment to improving not only the brand but also the operational aspects of the company. He stated, “We are proud of the success Shipley has achieved during our ownership and honored to have contributed to the evolution of this iconic brand.”

Furthermore, Michael Graham, another Managing Director at Peak Rock, reflected on the positive experiences working closely with the Shipley team. He noted that their collaboration fortified a solid foundation for future growth. Flynn Dekker, the CEO of Shipley, attested to Peak Rock’s instrumental role in facilitating impressive growth, pledging continued dedication to serving customers and supporting franchisees in expanding the iconic brand's reach across the nation.

Peak Rock Capital's Chief Executive Officer, Anthony DiSimone, emphasized that the Shipley transaction is emblematic of their successful partnerships with family and founder-owned enterprises, aiding them in realizing transformational growth. DiSimone's remarks underline Peak Rock's deep understanding of franchisor operations, a crucial aspect of their investment strategy.

The companies involved in this transaction received expert advisory services from North Point and JPMorgan as financial advisors, alongside Kirkland and Ellis LLP, which acted as legal counsel for the transaction.

As one of the oldest donut brands in the U.S., Shipley Do-Nuts has cemented its position in the market with a legacy that spans nearly nine decades. It is known for its delicious donuts and coffee - a combination that has attracted generations of loyal customers. To explore more about Shipley Do-Nuts, individuals can visit their official website at https://shipleydonuts.com/.

About Peak Rock Capital

Founded in 2010, Peak Rock Capital specializes in making equity and debt investments across North America and Europe, focusing on middle-market companies. Its equity investment strategy seeks opportunities presenting potential for rapid growth and performance improvement, particularly in corporate carve-outs and family-owned businesses looking for institutional resources. On the credit front, Peak Rock offers tailored capital solutions across various business sectors, while its real estate investment platform focuses on mid-sized assets in economically promising locations.

This transaction not only represents a transformative step for Shipley Do-Nuts but also signifies Peak Rock’s commitment to accelerating the growth of quality brands through strategic interventions and investments.