Starbucks estudou comprar o Chipotle, a ex-empresa de seu CEO

Starbucks explored the possibility of buying Chipotle, the former company of its CEO, according to a report by the Financial Times. This acquisition would be the largest merger and acquisition in the restaurant sector, valued at $50 billion annually, revealed the FT. However, the status of the operation and whether the offer was official remains unclear.

Despite this, both companies share a connection - Brian Niccol, currently Starbucks' CEO since 2024 and responsible for the turnaround plan, had been Chipotle's CEO for the previous six years. Since his departure from Chipotle, Chipotle's stock has fallen by 50% from its all-time high. Since leaving Chipotle, Starbucks' stock has dropped by 2.3%.

Investors were excited about Chipotle's prospects due to Niccol's effective management during a recent food safety crisis. Chipotle has struggled again, with a 20% drop in stock price over the past year following an outbreak of salmonella in jalapeños served in several U.S. states. While Niccol could potentially return and save Starbucks again - having been CEO of Chipotle from 2018 to 2024 before Taco Bell, Yum!, and an MBA at Chicago Booth - investors doubt he can manage two turnarounds simultaneously while implementing one for Starbucks.

When Niccol became CEO of Starbucks, the stock price increased by 24% due to his proven plan and ability to control activist investor Elliott Management's demands for selling the business. Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" strategy involved store closures, more baristas, new menu items, faster service, and café renovations - strategies that have already resulted in sales growth.

Starbucks operates 41,000 own and franchised stores, 40% of which are in the U.S., while the majority of Chipotle's 4.2,000 restaurants are also in the U.S. Starbucks is valued at $103 billion on the stock exchange, while Chipotle is valued at $41 billion.