Hunton Andrews Kurth Advises Darden Restaurants in $605 Million Purchase of Chuy’s Holdings

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is advising Darden Restaurants, Inc. in its pending acquisition of Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHUY), in a transaction valued at $605 million. 

Founded in Austin, Texas, in 1982, Chuy's owns and operates full-service restaurants serving a distinct menu of authentic, made-from-scratch Tex-Mex inspired dishes. Chuy’s has approximately 101 restaurants in 15 states.

Last year, Hunton Andrews Kurth represented Darden in its $715 million acquisition of the owner of the Ruth’s Chris Steak House brand, and has significant experience in restaurant M&A transactions.

Darden is a restaurant company featuring a portfolio of differentiated brands that include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V's and Bahama Breeze. 

The Hunton Andrews Kurth M&A team advising Darden is led by M&A lawyers Charlie Brewer, M&A team co-head Steven Haas, and Jessica Rivero. 

Hunton Andrews Kurth’s team also includes capital markets partner Mayme Donohue, employee benefits partner Jessica Agostinho and associate Jordan Latham, and antitrust and competition partner Kevin Hahm and associate Bennett Sooy.

Hunton Andrews Kurth’s experienced M&A Team has handled 900 transactions worth approximately $160 billion in the past five years. With experience managing transactions ranging from acquisitions of private equity-backed companies, to leading a $30 billion merger-of-equals to create the nation’s largest regulated utility, the team has the knowledge to assist its clients with their M&A needs. The firm’s record has led to its recognition as a leading Corporate/M&A practice by Chambers USA, The Legal 500 and U.S. News Best Law Firms, among others.