Monday 12 Oct 2026
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(Oct 12): Starbucks Corp said it’s not buying Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, seeking to tamp down speculation about what could have been one of the restaurant sector’s largest-ever deals.

The company issued a statement on Monday following a report last week that Starbucks, run by former Chipotle chief executive officer Brian Niccol, had worked on a takeover proposal. 

At the time, the coffee chain said it was “laser focused” on executing its ongoing turnaround plan, which has revived sales growth after a lengthy slump.

Chipotle shares fell 3.1% as of 9.42am in New York trading on Monday while Starbucks shares were little changed. The burrito chain’s stock had jumped following last week’s report.

Analysts had expressed scepticism about a potential deal, given how different the two businesses are. 

At Chipotle, Niccol also spearheaded a revitalisation that turned the company into one of the restaurant industry’s top performers for several years. 

The company has recently struggled with sales declines, which it has started to reverse with more frequent product launches and updates to its loyalty programme. 

Uploaded by Evelyn Chan

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