Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RUTH) is a Florida-based fine dining steakhouse company, which individually-owns or franchises over 150 Ruth’s Chris Steak House locations around the world. Shares of the steakhouse company are rallying 34% through afternoon trading on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. Over the past three months, Ruth’s Hospitality Group has seen average daily volume of 406,720 shares. However, volume of 18.1 million shares or dollar volume of around $388.79 million, has already exchanged hands through afternoon trading.

Shares of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House parent company are rallying after the company announced it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI). Under the agreement, Darden is set to acquire all outstanding shares of Ruth’s at $21.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $715 million. The deal will bring Ruth’s Chris Steak House, known for its USDA Prime steaks and New Orleans-inspired sides, into Darden’s portfolio, joining brands such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and The Capital Grille.

Ruth’s Chris, established in 1965, operates 154 locations across the globe, including 80 company-owned or -operated and 74 franchised restaurants. In fiscal year 2022, the brand recorded systemwide sales of over $860 million, total revenues of over $500 million, and average annual restaurant volumes for company-owned or -operated locations of $6.2 million.

Darden’s President and CEO, Rick Cardenas, emphasized the strong cultural fit between the two companies and the potential for team member growth. Cheryl Henry, President, CEO, and Chairperson of Ruth’s, will continue in her role as President of Ruth’s Chris, reporting to Cardenas.

The acquisition price represents a 34% premium to Ruth’s May 2 closing price and a 32% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price. Darden anticipates pre-tax synergies of $5-10 million within the first year and $15-20 million in the second year, with acquisition and integration-related expenses estimated at $55-60 million. The transaction is expected to be accretive to Darden’s diluted net earnings per share in fiscal year 2024 by approximately 10-12 cents, excluding acquisition and integration-related expenses.

Subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed in June. Both Darden and Ruth’s boards of directors have unanimously approved the merger.

“Ruth’s Chris is a strong and distinctive brand in the fine dining segment with an impressive history of delivering elevated dining experiences to their loyal guests,” said Darden President and CEO Rick Cardenas. “It fits the criteria we have for adding a brand to our portfolio and supports our winning strategy. Ruth’s Chris is a great complement to our portfolio of brands, and I’m pleased to welcome their nearly 5,000 team members to Darden.”

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The post Ruth’s Chris Steak House Parent Company, Ruth’s Hospitality Group (NASDAQ: RUTH), Enters Into Agreement to be Acquired by Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) for $715 Million appeared first on Spotlight Growth.