Guess has confirmed receiving a preliminary acquisition proposal from WHP Global via its affiliate, WHP Investments.
The offer, which values Guess at $751.5 million, proposes purchasing the company’s outstanding shares for $13.00 each in cash.
However, the bid excludes shares held by co-founders Paul and Maurice Marciano, as well as CEO Carlos Alberini, who together own approximately 50.6% of the business, according to WWD.
If the deal proceeds, WHP Global would become Guess’ largest individual shareholder while remaining a minority partner.
Guess has established a special committee to assess the proposal but cautioned that there is no certainty an agreement will be reached, stating, “there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction in the proposal or any other transaction will be approved or completed.”
The offer follows Guess’ collaboration with WHP Global last year to acquire New York-based fashion label Rag & Bone.
As of November 2024, Guess operated 1,057 stores across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, with an additional 541 stores run by franchise partners and distributors worldwide.
WHP Global, which owns a diverse portfolio of brands, including Toys R Us, Express, Bonobos, and Vera Wang, continues to expand its presence in the fashion sector.
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