Shares of restaurant operator Bloomin’ Brands (NASDAQ:BLMN) closed the day up over 12% to $20.54 per share after activist investor Jana Partners disclosed an 8.7% stake in the company.
In a regulatory filing, Jana said that it initially acquired the stake as of November 10, which makes it Bloomin’ Brands’ second-biggest outside stockholder.
The firm also said that the company’s stock was “undervalued and represent[s] an attractive investment opportunity.” Jana continued, saying that they plan on having conversations with the company’s management and board of directors, “including a review of strategic alternatives including exploring a sale.”
This announcement is just Jana’s latest stake in the food and restaurant industry. Last week, the firm disclosed a 4.5% investment in fast food chain Jack in the Box (NASDAQ:JACK) , and earlier this year, Jana bought a portion of Whole Foods before the organic grocer was acquired by Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) .
Bloomin’ Brands owns and operates popular restaurant chains Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. BLMN has gained almost 14% year-to-date.
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