Roark Capital Group

Founded in 2001 by Neal Aronson, Roark Capital Group is an Atlanta-based private equity firm. The firm is named after Howard Roark, the protagonist of Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead, signifying the firm's admiration for independence and self-assurance.

The firm focuses on leveraged buyout investments in middle-market companies, particularly within the franchise, restaurant, food, health, wellness, and business services sectors. Roark has become one of the most prolific investors in the franchise space, managing a vast portfolio of well-known consumer brands.

In recent years, the firm has made major headlines for high-profile acquisitions, such as its purchase of the Subway sandwich chain in 2023. It also operates Inspire Brands, a massive multi-brand restaurant company that includes Arby's and Dunkin', and has reportedly considered taking that entity public.