Krispy Kreme, Inc. is a publicly traded American doughnut and coffeehouse chain headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. It is best known for its signature Original Glazed Doughnuts and a wide variety of baked goods and beverages. The company trades on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DNUT.
Founded in 1937 by Vernon Rudolph in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme has grown into a global brand, operating more than 1,400 shops in over 30 countries. As of 2024, it is led by Joshua Charlesworth, who became CEO in January 2024.
Ownership Status of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
There is no single private owner of Krispy Kreme. Since it is publicly traded, ownership is distributed among institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. Ownership percentages shift over time based on trading activity and regulatory filings.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agnaten SE | ~43–44% | Largest shareholder; linked to JAB Holding and the Reimann family. |
| BNP Paribas Arbitrage SA | ~8–9% | Institutional investor holding a significant stake. |
| Vanguard Group, Inc. | ~4% | Leading asset management firm; passive index investor. |
| HSBC Asset Management | ~4–5% | Global financial institution with investment stakes. |
| Santander Asset Mgmt. SA | ~4% | Institutional investor. |
Note: Remaining shares are held by other institutional investors, mutual funds, and retail shareholders.
Key Shareholder Highlights
Krispy Kreme’s shareholder base is dominated by a mix of large institutional investors and long-term stakeholders.
- Agnaten SE holds around 43–44% and is affiliated with JAB Holding Company and the Reimann family of Germany, giving them significant influence over Krispy Kreme’s direction.
- Vanguard Group, Inc. holds approximately 4%, reflecting passive investments through ETFs and index funds.
- Other financial institutions like BNP Paribas and HSBC also maintain notable positions.
This structure shows that while Krispy Kreme is a public company, a major portion of control remains with JAB-linked entities.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In 2016, Krispy Kreme was taken private by JAB Holding Company.
- In July 2021, Krispy Kreme returned to the public market via an IPO on Nasdaq.
- As of 2025, Agnaten SE continues to be the largest shareholder, maintaining over 43% ownership.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of Krispy Kreme?
There is no single owner. Krispy Kreme is a publicly held company, with major shareholders including Agnaten SE (~43%), BNP Paribas, Vanguard, HSBC, and Santander Asset Management.
2. Is Krispy Kreme publicly traded or privately owned?
It is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker DNUT.
3. Who founded Krispy Kreme?
The company was founded by Vernon Rudolph in 1937.
4. Has the ownership changed recently?
Yes. Krispy Kreme was privately owned by JAB Holding from 2016 to 2021. It went public again in July 2021 and is now owned by a mix of institutional and retail investors.
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