Panera Brands files confidential paperwork for IPO, FT reports

Panera Brands, the casual dining group that was previously taken private by investment group JAB, has filed confidential paperwork for an initial public offering in the U.S. and is aiming to come back to the public market next year, people familiar with the matter told Financial Times’ Arash Massoudi, James Fontanella-Khan and Nicholas Megaw. JAB tried to sell the company to itself via a continuation fund earlier this year, but could not garner support and eventually decided in mid-November to take Panera public, according to three people familiar with the matter. JPMorgan Chase is lead underwriter, the report noted.