Bringing together well-known food and beverage brands

www.facebook.com/pretamanger/

Thirty-two years ago, Pret a Manger opened its doors in London. Ten years ago, the fast-growing chain of coffee/food shoppes was sold to a private equity firm. And now, Pret a Manger has another new owner.

The new owner, JAB Holdings has acquired a number of well-known coffee and food brands. These include Krispy Kreme, Douwe Egberts, Tassimo, Panera Bread, Dr Pepper Snapple and Keurig Green Mountain.

With 530 shoppes in the UK, US, China, Hong Kong and France, Pret a Manger has a loyal customer following, in person and on social media. Will JAB, the new owner, co-brand shoppes or products, given the high profile of its pantry of products? Will the new owner use the shoppes (Panera Bread and Pret a Manger, for instance) as a distribution channel for other brands in the company's portfolio? Lots of possibilities for strategic synergy!