# Starbucks denies Chipotle acquisition

> Starbucks officially rejects Chipotle buyout after Financial Times report.
- Title: Starbucks denies Chipotle acquisition | Shortify
- Summary: Starbucks officially rejects Chipotle buyout after Financial Times report. Starbucks has stated it will not acquire Chipotle following a Financial Times…
- Keywords: starbucks, chipotle, financial times, mergers, acquisitions, fast casual, burrito chain, food, business, denies, acquisition, Nation's Restaurant News
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/mergers-acquisitions/so-much-for-that-idea-starbucks-says-it-is-not-buying-chipotle
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: starbucks, chipotle, financial times, mergers, acquisitions, fast casual, burrito chain, food, business
## Starbucks denies Chipotle acquisition
Starbucks has officially stated it will not buy Chipotle after a Financial Times report suggested potential talks.

> I can confirm for you we are not buying Chipotle.
## Initial statement on rumors
Starbucks initially refused to comment on acquisition rumors but later confirmed they are not buying Chipotle.

> As a matter of policy, we don’t comment on rumors and speculation.
## Financial Times report
A Financial Times report indicated Starbucks was considering a potential acquisition of Chipotle.

> Starbucks was talking with advisors on a potential massive acquisition of the fast-casual burrito chain.
## Acquisition value
Starbucks would have to pay a record $50 billion to acquire Chipotle, three times the size of the 2014 Tim Hortons deal.

> valued at around $50 billion
## Investment community skepticism
Wall Street analysts and investment bankers expressed skepticism about the potential acquisition due to debt and uncertain returns.

> the proposed deal was little more than talk among investment bankers.
## Brian Niccol's background
Brian Niccol, who previously led Chipotle before becoming Starbucks CEO, was mentioned in acquisition discussions.

> Brian Niccol helmed before he was hired as Starbucks CEO two years ago.
## Starbucks' strategy focus
Starbucks emphasized its 'Back to Starbucks' strategy and confidence in long-term growth potential.

> Our team is laser-focused on executing our 'Back to Starbucks' strategy.
## Q4 results timeline
Starbucks plans to share Q4 results and FY27 guidance later this month.

> We look forward to sharing our Q4 results, including FY27 guidance, later this month.
## Acquisition feasibility
The acquisition was deemed unrealistic by analysts due to the high cost and potential debt burden.

> the combination of debt and the uncertainty of any real payoff for Starbucks generated considerable skepticism
## Key takeaway

Starbucks has stated it will not acquire Chipotle following a Financial Times report about potential talks.