-=Dunkin' Brands (DNKN) in talks to be acquired by Inspire Brands

• Dunkin' Brands is in talks to be acquired by Inspire Brands, a private equity-based restaurant company, Dunkin' said in a statement on Sunday. According to the New York Times, which first reported the talks, the deal could take Dunkin' Brands private at $106.50 a share.

Dunkin’ (ticker: DNKN) said late Sunday that it was in preliminary negotiations with Inspire Brands, and would provide no further comment unless the parties reached a deal or called off talks. Although the company didn’t discuss financial details, reports have put an potential per-share price for the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins owner at $106.50, about a 20% premium to Friday’s closing price.

Dunkin’ hasn’t been talked about as a takeover candidate much lately, but it is no stranger to rumors. There was speculation three years ago that it could be bought by JAB Holdings—to the point that the stock fell after the firm purchased Panera Bread instead. Dunkin’ has since grown, and with a market value of $7 billion, the field of potential buyers has narrowed.

Inspire Brands is a familiar name to restaurant investors. The consortium, owned by the private-equity firm Roark Capital, includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Sonic, among other brands. Its most recent big purchase was Jimmy John’s. Dunkin’ itself was privately owned before its 2011 initial public offering.