Macy’s announced plans last week to close its flagship Union Square store in San Francisco, among scores of others. GETTY IMAGES
In a bold move, Macy’s revealed its intention last week to shut down its iconic Union Square outlet in San Francisco, among a multitude of other closures, marking a significant shift in its retail strategy. The decision sent shockwaves through the industry, reflecting a turbulent landscape for traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital, undeterred by the challenges, have upped the ante by nearly $1 billion in their bid to acquire Macy’s, aiming to privatize the esteemed department store chain. This move, laden with ambition, underscores their conviction in the potential of Macy’s under private ownership.
In a joint announcement on Sunday, the consortium declared an increase in their offer, now standing at $24 per share, totaling approximately $6.6 billion. This revised bid marks a substantial escalation from their earlier proposal of $21 per share, which was rebuffed by Macy’s board citing insufficient value.
The heightened offer represents a premium of 51.3% over Macy’s share price as of November 30, 2023, the date of their initial bid. Furthermore, it commands a 33% premium over Macy’s stock price as of the previous Friday, closing at $18.01 per share.
Expressing their exasperation with Macy’s board, Arkhouse managing partners Gavriel Kahane and Jonathon Blackwell emphasized their unwavering commitment to the acquisition despite obstacles. They lamented the board’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with their consortium, yet affirmed their determination to see the deal through.
In response, Macy’s acknowledged receipt of the revised offer, pledging to diligently assess it in accordance with their fiduciary responsibilities and in consultation with their advisors. However, the company refrained from providing further commentary at this time.
The announcement comes on the heels of Macy’s unveiling a comprehensive restructuring plan, involving the closure of 150 stores, including its flagship establishment in downtown San Francisco. Additionally, the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed expectations, injecting a note of optimism amidst the restructuring turmoil.
Commenting on the developments, Kahane and Blackwell reiterated their confidence in Macy’s potential, particularly in a private capacity, citing the recent financial performance as a testament to its underlying strength.
Despite a challenging year marked by a double-digit decline in share value, Macy’s remains a prominent player in the retail landscape, navigating headwinds with resilience. As the saga unfolds, all eyes are on the outcome of the bid, poised to reshape the trajectory of this retail giant.
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