Inspire Brands, the parent company of Dunkin' and several other major restaurant chains, has confidentially filed paperwork for an initial public offering in the United States, according to reports from multiple news outlets.

The company submitted its filing confidentially, a process that allows firms to begin the IPO review process with the Securities and Exchange Commission while keeping financial details private until closer to the public offering date.

Inspire Brands operates a portfolio of restaurant brands that includes more than 33,300 locations globally, generating combined sales of more than $33.4 billion. The company's portfolio extends beyond Dunkin' to include other well-known chains in the quick-service restaurant sector.

Confidential IPO filings have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly for larger companies. This approach allows companies to test market conditions and work through regulatory requirements before publicly disclosing detailed financial information and formal timing for their stock market debut.

The timing of any potential public offering and other details about the IPO process were not disclosed in the initial reports. Companies that file confidentially typically reveal more information about their plans as they progress through the regulatory review process.