NexCen Brands announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire two ice cream franchise systems; MaggieMoo’s and Marble Slab, two well known and established brands within the hand-mixed premium ice cream category. NexCen, a brand management company, is acquiring the companies for a combined initial purchase price of $37 million, plus a potential earn-out of up to $2 million upon the MaggiMoo’s acquisition. These two transactions are expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter and will mark the first acquisitions for NexCen in the quick service restaurant (QSR) sector.

Robert D’Loren, NexCen’s president and CEO, noted: “These acquisitions will provide NexCen with two well positioned brands in the hand-mixed premium ice cream franchise category. With 520 existing franchises stores and 225 stores in the pipeline on a combined basis, these two brands will place us solidly as the number one player in quality and the number two player in the number of franchise units in the hand-mixed premium ice cream sector.

“There is a tremendous growth opportunity with these brands through organic growth and franchise licensing opportunities. We intend to grow these brands outside of the
US through our international franchise network currently operating in over 40 countries worldwide,” Mr D’Loren concluded.

The initial purchase price for MaggieMoo’s is $16.1 million. The Marble Slab acquisition is costing NexCen $16 million in cash, and seller notes in aggregate principal amount of $5 million that earn interest at 6% per annum and are payable one year from closing.

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