Dunkin Donuts owner soars on takeover talks

Shares in the owner of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins ice cream hit a record high on Monday after confirming takeover talks with a private equity firm. Dunkin' Brands said it was in preliminary discussions with Inspire Brands, which also owns Arby's and Jimmy John's Sandwiches. Inspire Brands declined to comment and Dunkin' said it was not certain a deal would be reached. Shares in Dunkin' soared 16pc to almost $103, valuing the company at $8.4bn. Dunkin' has 13,000 stores and a further 8,000