WHP Global eyes Guess takeover as shares soar following offer
The American clothing chain Guess may soon change ownership, according to reports from Reuters. An offer to purchase the company’s shares has been submitted by the investor WHP Global, owner of brands such as G-Star and Toys 'R' Us. Media reports indicate that the offer will be reviewed by a specially appointed committee.
The purchase offer is $13 (€12) per share. Just a week ago, Guess shares were priced below $10 (€9). After WHP Global submitted its offer, their price rose to over $12 (€11). Reuters suggests that this reflects the considerable interest the potential transaction has generated.
Guess with a new owner? A committee has been appointed
The American clothing store chain Guess may soon change ownership. Following WHP Global's offer, the company appointed a committee to examine it.
Reuters reports that co-founder Maurice Marciano, creative director Paul Marciano, and CEO Carlos Alberini might retain their shares. Collectively, they own about 43% of the company.
This would mark another collaboration of the brand with an investor. In 2024, the entities acquired the rights to Rag & Bone, a British-American brand founded in 2002. Guess currently manages stores under this banner in both markets.
Guess is an American clothing company founded by four brothers, Georges, Armand, Paul, and Maurice Marciano. They were born in Algeria, raised in France, and established the brand in 1981, four years after moving to the USA.
Another bankruptcy for Forever 21
The fate of another clothing brand, Forever 21, is also uncertain. The American chain has filed a bankruptcy application for the second time in six years. The company is grappling with financial issues due to declining footfall in shopping centres and competition from e-commerce.
The future of the brand hinges on the sale of its assets. The company holds assets valued between $100 million (€92 million) and $500 million (€461 million), but its liabilities range from $1 billion (€922 million) to $10 billion (€9 billion). If a sale occurs, Forever 21 may avoid liquidation.
