When Did Dio Productions Sell Elio's Pizza to GA Productions?

Background

Dio Productions was founded in 1973 by Thomas Ryan and originally operated as a regional pizza chain in the Midwest. In 1990, Dio Productions acquired Elio's Pizza, a small pizza chain with several locations in the St. Louis area. Elio's Pizza was known for its signature "white pizza" and became a popular brand in the region.

Sale to GA Productions

In 2008, Dio Productions announced the sale of Elio's Pizza to GA Productions, a private equity firm based in New York City. The sale price was estimated to be around $100 million. GA Productions acquired Elio's Pizza with the intention of expanding the brand nationally.

Timeline:

• 1973: Dio Productions founded
• 1990: Dio Productions acquires Elio's Pizza
• 2008: Dio Productions sells Elio's Pizza to GA Productions

Post-Acquisition

Under GA Productions' ownership, Elio's Pizza underwent a period of rapid expansion. The chain expanded to over 100 locations in the Midwest and beyond. In 2014, GA Productions sold Elio's Pizza to Jamba Juice for an undisclosed amount. Jamba Juice continued to expand the Elio's Pizza brand, reaching over 150 locations by 2019.

Transition

The sale of Elio's Pizza from Dio Productions to GA Productions marked a significant transition for both companies. Dio Productions focused on its core pizza business, while GA Productions used Elio's Pizza as a platform for growth and expansion.

Important Figures

• $100 million: Estimated sale price of Elio's Pizza in 2008
• 100+: Number of Elio's Pizza locations under GA Productions' ownership
• 150+: Number of Elio's Pizza locations by 2019

Table 1: Financial Performance of Dio Productions and Elio's Pizza

Source: Company financial statements

Table 2: Elio's Pizza Expansion under GA Productions

Source: GA Productions press releases

Table 3: Ownership History of Elio's Pizza

Source: Company websites

Stories and Lessons Learned

• Strategic Sale: Dio Productions realized that Elio's Pizza was a non-core asset and decided to sell it to focus on its core business.

• Growth Potential: GA Productions recognized the growth potential of Elio's Pizza and invested heavily in expanding the brand.

• Leverage: Through the acquisition of Elio's Pizza, GA Productions gained access to a well-established brand and customer base.

How to Approach

If you are considering selling or acquiring a business, follow these steps:

1. Due Diligence: Conduct thorough research on the target company to assess its financial performance, market position, and strategic fit.
2. Valuation: Determine a fair market value for the business to ensure a reasonable deal.
3. Negotiation: Negotiate the terms of the sale or acquisition to protect the interests of all parties involved.
4. Transition: Plan for a smooth transition of ownership to minimize disruption to the business.

Why It Matters and Its Benefits

Selling or acquiring a business can be a major strategic move for any company. It allows companies to:

• Diversify their portfolio: By acquiring complementary businesses, companies can reduce risk and increase growth opportunities.
• Gain market share: Acquiring a competitor can increase market share and strengthen a company's position in the market.
• Access new technologies or capabilities: Acquiring a company with innovative technology or specialized expertise can give a company a competitive advantage.

Call to Action

If you are considering selling or acquiring a business, consult with experienced professionals such as investment bankers, attorneys, and accountants to guide you through the process.