10 major restaurant deals of 201410 major restaurant deals of 2014

For years, restaurant companies couldn’t unload non-core restaurant chains fast enough, and 2014 was no different. Darden Restaurants Inc. sold Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital for $2.1 billion. Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. sold Mitchell’s Fish Market to Landry’s for $10 million. Bloomin’ Brands Inc. sold Roy’s Restaurants to United Ohana LLC.

But after years of absence, the strategic buyer made a comeback this year, led by Burger King Worldwide Inc. and its shocking, $11.4 billion proposed deal for the Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons Inc.

CEC Entertainment, meanwhile, went private and then bought Peter Piper Pizza. Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. continued to collect growth concepts with its purchase of Rusty Taco.

Overall, 2014 was a banner year in mergers and acquisitions. Here are 10 deals that made headlines this year.

Get more highlights from 2014 >>

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