WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct 24, 2016–Krispy Kreme Doughnuts today announced that basketball Hall-of-Famer and sports and entertainment superstar Shaquille O’Neal has become an owner in the brand’s prestigious downtown Atlanta location. He also is the brand’s new global spokesperson.

O’Neal is a lifelong Krispy Kreme fan and has taken ownership in the historic Krispy Kreme shop on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta, which opened more than 60 years ago. O’Neal has publicly displayed his affection for the brand – especially Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed® doughnut – in media and on social media.

“ Krispy Kreme prides itself on spreading joy and supporting local communities, and that’s a cause that I am thrilled to be a part of,” said O’Neal. “Our goal is to help people find their happy place, and what better way than with a box of delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts.”

O’Neal was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last month after 19 years in the NBA.

“In addition to Shaquille’s status as a sports and entertainment icon and businessman, he is known for spreading joy, which aligns with our positioning and mission,” said Tony Thompson, President and CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. “We are confident this partnership will have a big impact for us in Atlanta and around the world.”

To celebrate O’Neal joining the Krispy Kreme Doughnuts family, the brand today announced a “Shaq-or-Treat” social media promotion for Halloween – one of O’Neal’s favorite days. Krispy Kreme fans who tag their Halloween social media posts with #ShaqOrTreat between Oct. 28 and 31 will be eligible to win Shaq-autographed prizes or Krispy Kreme surprises.

“When you think about brands that resonate in pop culture, Krispy Kreme is on that short list of brands that transcend their industry and connect with consumers on personal level,” said Nick Woodhouse, President & Chief Marketing Officer of Authentic Brands Group, joint owner of Shaq, Inc. “We are excited to partner with Krispy Kreme to amplify their message and grow the brand’s presence worldwide.”

About Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature  Original Glazed  doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Krispy Kreme doughnuts can be found in approximately 12,000 grocery, convenience and mass merchant stores in the U.S. The Company has more than 1,100 retail shops in 29 countries. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at  www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one its many social media channels, including  www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme, and  www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme.

About Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is a four-time NBA Champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP. The recently retired, 15-time NBA All-Star was named as both the highest ranked athlete in the NBA and the most influential in sports in 2011. With a PhD in Leadership and Education, this iconic marketing and social media marvel was ranked among the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company Magazine with an online presence that has grown to become the second most followed U.S. athlete on Twitter. As a celebrity, athlete, businessman and comedian, Shaquille O’Neal has an enormous and devoted global fan base across a variety of demographics.

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