Reuters is reporting that a group led by German investor Joh A Benckiser (JAB) has launched a takeover bid  valuing D.E Master Blenders 1753 , the maker of Douwe Egberts coffee at €7.5 billion.

The report adds that JAB, the investment vehicle of the billionaire Reimann family, is building a global coffee empire with a portfolio of brands including Caribou Coffee Co and Peet’s Coffee & Tea.

If you’re into business news there’s an in depth report from the FT here.

Douwe Egberts was spun-off from US foods con€glomerate Sara Lee last year, so it’s about as franchise-ey as you can get.