An affiliate of Fort Worth-based private-equity group FundCorp Inc., announced June 2 it has acquired Gigi’s Cupcakes, the largest cupcake franchise in the U.S. with more than 100 locations nationwide.
Terms of the deal were not announced. Judy Renfrow has been named President and COO and will manage the chain along with Vice Chairman Michael Poates.
Founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Gina “Gigi” Butler as a local boutique bakery in Nashville, Tennessee, Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a variety of baked goods, including cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Locally, Gigi’s Cupcakes has locations in Dallas, Southlake and Plano.
“We are excited that we have found the perfect partner to lead Gigi’s through its next phase of growth,” said Butler, who will remain as the face of the brand and spokeswoman. “Sales are at an all-time high and we have new franchisees interested in joining our family, so it was critical that we find someone that not only had the resources and the expertise to take Gigi’s to the next level, but also reflected our Christian values. We found that with FundCorp.”
This is the second acquisition of a major franchise chain in the past year by FundCorp sponsored companies. Last June the company acquired Gatti’s Pizza. Gatti’s Pizza will return to Fort Worth later this summer in the Museum Place development at 3280 West Seventh St.
“Gigi’s Cupcakes is exactly the type of opportunity we look for,” said Poates. “It’s a strong brand with tremendous goodwill among their franchise community that we can leverage into an aggressive franchise expansion initiative. The potential for growth is unlimited.”
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