Jamba’s largest franchisee acquires 21 more unitsJamba’s largest franchisee acquires 21 more units

Jamba Inc.’s largest franchisee, Vitaligent LLC, has acquired 21 units from a former Jamba Juice franchisee and agreed to develop 12 new outlets in the Seattle area, the company said Wednesday.

Frisco, Texas-based Jamba said the deal with St. Louis, Mo.-based Vitaligent brings that franchise group to 100 stores in California, Missouri and now Washington state. Terms of the purchase from PB Swann Seattle LLC were not disclosed.

“Vitaligent shares our vision for continued growth in serving communities where Jamba’s premium, handcrafted blends complement the active lifestyles of consumers,” said Dave Pace, Jamba president and CEO, in a statement.

As part of the deal, Vitaligent committed to developing 12 additional stores in the Seattle area over the next five years, Jamba said.

Vitaligent, LLC is a holding company focused on promoting health and happiness in their communities through blending fresh smoothies, juices, snacks and healthy meal options.

“We’ve been pleased with the growth we’ve seen in our existing Jamba markets, and have identified this same potential in Seattle,” said Dean VandeKamp, Vitaligent president and CEO, in prepared remarks. “We’re excited to expand our portfolio of Jamba stores, and look forward to building out our presence in this market.”

Jamba, in documents filed in September with the Securities and Exchange Commission, said it was requesting a Nasdaq panel hearing after being warned it faced delisting by the stock exchange for being delinquent in filing financial reports since January.

Jamba said it was delayed in completing financial statements because of “significant changes in the company’s business model, leadership and key personnel” and the relocation of its corporate office in 2016.

Jamba Inc. moved its headquarters last year from Emeryville, Calif., to Frisco.

As of July 4, Jamba’s wholly owned subsidiary Jamba Juice Co. had 800 locations.

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