From the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Roark Capital, which owns Chapter 11 Debtor Pike Nursery Holding, LLC., has formed a new equity fund –

 Roark Capital Group said it has formed a private equity fund with $1 billion with which it will invest in consumer and business service companies.

Roark’s specific areas of focus include franchising, food and restaurants, specialty retail, direct marketing and financial services companies. Roark has acquired 13 franchise brands including Batteries Plus, Carvel, Cinnabon, FastSigns, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Money Mailer, Schlotzsky’s and Seattle’s Best Coffee International. Atlanta-based Roark has also acquired four direct marketing businesses and three financial services companies.