Updated version 2 - According to the Financial Times, Starbucks once considered acquiring Chipotle.
路透社2026/10/08 14:36Additional details from the report were included. Reuters, October 8 – According to the Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter on Thursday, Starbucks (SBUX.O) has explored the possibility of acquiring Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG.N). If the deal materializes, it would merge two of the most well-known brands in the U.S. food industry and further deepen the connection between Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol and Chipotle—where Niccol established his reputation before running the coffee chain. The Financial Times, citing sources, reported that the coffee chain has been working with advisers in recent months to discuss a proposal to acquire Chipotle. Both Starbucks and Chipotle did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Chipotle's market value is nearly $39 billion, its shares were up about 4% in early trading, while Starbucks' stock fell about 3%. According to data from LSEG, Starbucks' market value is around $107 billion. Niccol was hired to revitalize the coffee chain, and over the past two years, he has focused on enhancing customer experience by simplifying menus and reducing wait times, leading to same-store sales growth for four consecutive quarters. Meanwhile, the Mexican grill chain is facing the dual challenges of weakening consumer demand and rising input costs amid persistently high inflation. (For the convenience of non-native English speakers, Reuters automatically translates its reports into several other languages. Since automated translations may contain errors or miss important context, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of the automated text, which is provided solely for reader convenience. Reuters is not liable for any damages or losses resulting from the use of automated translation.)
Details from the report have been added throughout the full article.
Reuters, October 8 - According to the Financial Times citing sources on Thursday, Starbucks (SBUX.O) has explored the possibility of acquiring Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG.N).
If the deal goes through, it would combine two of the most well-known brands in the U.S. food industry and would further deepen Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's connection with Chipotle—Niccol made his reputation at Chipotle before taking the helm at the coffee chain.
The Financial Times, citing people familiar with the matter, said the coffee chain has been working with a team of advisers over the past few months to discuss a proposal to acquire Chipotle.
Starbucks and Chipotle did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
Chipotle has a market value of nearly $39 billion, with its stock rising around 4% in early trading, while Starbucks shares fell about 3%. According to London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) data, Starbucks’ market value is about $107 billion.
Niccol was hired to turn the fortunes of the coffee chain around, and over the past two years, he has sought to improve the customer experience—driving same-store sales growth for four consecutive quarters—by simplifying menus and shortening wait times.
Meanwhile, the burrito chain is facing both weakening consumer demand and rising input costs as inflation remains elevated.
(To make its reports easier to read for non-native English speakers, Reuters provides automated translation in several languages. Because automated translations may contain errors or lack necessary context, Reuters does not guarantee their accuracy and provides them for convenience only. Reuters is not liable for any damage or loss arising from use of the automated translation feature.)
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
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