Sun Capital completes Smokey Bones dealSun Capital completes Smokey Bones deal

BOCA RATON Fla. Sun Capital Partners Inc. said it has completed the $80 million purchase of the 73-unit Smokey Bones Barbeque & Grill chain from Darden Restaurants Inc.

As expected, Smokey Bones chief executive Ian Baines was retained in that post.

Anthony G. Polazzi, vice president of Sun Capital Partners, said the private-equity firm’s brands include controlling interests in eight restaurant companies with 2,200 locations that generate $3.4 billion in sales. Those concerns include Boston Market Corp., Bruegger’s Enterprises, Fazoli’s Restaurants, Friendly Ice Cream Corp., Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., Real Mex Restaurants and Restaurants Unlimited.

Smokey Bones was purchased through a newly formed Sun Capital holding, Barbecue Integrated Inc.

Sun Capital’s other investments include stakes in Chrysler Holdings, Dale and Thomas Popcorn, Hickory Farms and The Limited.