Ruby Tuesday, Inc. announced an agreement to be acquired by a fund managed by NRD Capital, an Atlanta-based private equity firm that specializes in franchised and multi-location business investments.

Under the terms of the agreement, NRD will acquire all of Ruby Tuesday’s common stock for $2.40 per share in cash and will assume or retire all debt obligations for a total enterprise value of approximately $335 million, excluding transaction expense. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 37% over Ruby Tuesday's closing share price on March 13, 2017, the day before the Company announced its intention to explore strategic alternatives, and a premium of approximately 21% over Ruby Tuesday’s closing share price on October 13, 2017.

“The Board of Directors and our advisors have thoroughly evaluated all options available to the Company and are confident that this agreement will provide the most promising opportunity to realize the highest value for our stockholders while providing the best path forward for the Ruby Tuesday brand, its employees, franchisees, and loyal customers,” said Stephen Sadove, Non-executive Chairman of Ruby Tuesday. “NRD Capital has a distinguished track record of achieving and maintaining profitable growth for restaurant concepts and will be an excellent partner to lead Ruby Tuesday going forward.”

The transaction has been unanimously approved by Ruby Tuesday’s Board of Directors and NRD and is subject to shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions. The acquisition is expected to be completed during the first calendar quarter of 2018. UBS Investment Bank is serving as financial advisor to Ruby Tuesday and provided a fairness opinion to the Ruby Tuesday Board of Directors.

“Our focus at NRD is investing in quality restaurant companies and providing strategic and operational expertise to create sustainable value.  With a well-established brand, differentiated from other casual dining restaurants by its Garden Bar, we see significant opportunities to drive value for Ruby Tuesday,” said Aziz Hashim, founder of NRD. “We are excited to be part of the Company’s next chapter. As a private company, we will be able to take a long-term view on Ruby Tuesday, allowing us to make an investments in people, product, and customer experience, without public company constraints. This approach will enable us to reward everyone involved in our success, in addition to our investors.”

Davis Polk is serving as legal advisor to Ruby Tuesday.  Cheng Cohen is serving as legal advisor to NRD and Arlington Capital Advisors is serving as financial advisor to NRD.