Frisch’s Finalizes Going Private

Private-equity firm NRD Partners has finalized its acquisition of Frisch’s Restaurants in a $174.5 million merger deal. The Cincinnati-based restaurant company, which operates Frisch’s Big Boy units in the Midwest, agreed in May to the sale. Craig Maier, whose family has been at the helm of the company since its founding in 1939, will step down as president and CEO.

The Frisch’s deal is the first major acquisition by NRD, which is targeting small and midsized franchisors. Frisch’s operates 95 company-owned locations and has 26 franchised units. The company owns the rights to the name “Frisch’s” and owns the “Big Boy” trademark in Kentucky, Indiana and most of Ohio and Tennessee.