The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Macy’s shares jumped 16 percent before the bell on Monday after investors Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital sweetened their take-private bid over the weekend, valuing the US department store operator at $6.58 billion.
They raised the offer price to $24 per share for the remaining stake that they do not own from $21 per share. The retailer’s shares, which had lost 10 percent last year, rose to $21 following the latest bid.
“We remain open to increasing the purchase price further subject to the customary due diligence,” Arkhouse had said on Sunday.
Macy’s is yet to open its books to the bidders as it was reviewing the new offer after rejecting in January a prior bid from Arkhouse on concerns around deal financing and valuation.
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The real estate-focused investing firm has now said it has identified global lenders who will commit to financing the deal if due diligence was granted.
“Macy’s should cooperate with the investment group and pursue a possible sale. If it refuses to do so, it runs the risk of a hostile takeover,” said David Swartz, an analyst with Morningstar Research.
The company has struggled to maintain its sales growth and profitability amid competition from cheaper physical and e-commerce offerings and a value-based shopping pattern due to elevated inflation and higher borrowing costs.
It last week unveiled a turnaround plan that included cutting store counts and job roles, while aiming to revive sales at its luxury labels Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury by improving merchandise and adding more staff.
Arkhouse, which has an economic exposure of 4.4 percent to Macy’s along with its affiliates, has piled pressure by nominating nine director candidates with retail, real estate and capital markets experience to the company’s 14-member board.
Macy’s forward price-to-earnings multiple, a common measure for valuing stocks, is 6.73, lower than industry peers, including Kohl’s and Nordstrom that have a P/E ratio of 10.36 and 10.28, respectively.
By Savyata Mishra; Editing by Arun Koyyur
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Activist Investors Raise Macy’s Buyout Bid to $6.6 Billion
Investment firms Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management is offering to acquire Macy’s stock they don’t already own for $24 per share, 14 percent above its previous offer from December.
The Japanese apparel chain will be launching its sister brand GU in the US later this year, targeting younger consumers with lower prices and a curated selection of trendy wares.
Canada, France and Ireland are among the countries working with home-grown fashion talent to create uniforms for their teams at this summer’s Olympic Games. For these small labels, it’s an unprecedented opportunity to capitalise on one of sports’ largest events.
The online fashion retailer plans to update China’s securities regulator on the change of the initial public offering venue and file with the London Stock Exchange as soon as this month, a person with knowledge of the matter said.
The company, under siege from Arkhouse Management Co. and Brigade Capital Management, doesn’t need the activists when it can be its own, writes Andrea Felsted.