Apparel retailer Guess gets take-private offer from WHP Global

(Reuters) - Guess said on Monday it had received a take-private offer from brand management firm WHP Global of $13 per share.

WHP Global has offered to buy Guess' outstanding shares, except those owned by co-founders Paul Marciano and Maurice Marciano and CEO Carlos Alberini. The three together owned roughly 43% of the company, according to LSEG data.

The proposal from WHP Global, which owns Toys "R" Us and fashion labels such as Anne Klein and Vera Wang, represents a premium of 34% to Guess' Friday close.

Shares of Guess jumped 31% in early trading on Monday. The company had a market value of about $500 million, as of Friday.

The company has formed a special committee to evaluate the proposal, it said, adding there was no guarantee of a deal.

WHP Global, founded in 2019 by retail industry veteran Yehuda Shmidman in partnership with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, acquires global consumer brands.

Guess had partnered with WHP Global to acquire New York-based designer handbag maker brand Rag & Bone in April 2024.

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo)

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