Guess?, Inc. (NYSE: GES) announced it has signed a definitive agreement for certain existing Guess? Shareholders, including Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Nicolai Marciano and Carlos Alberini (collectively, the “Rolling Stockholders”), to enter into a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group (“Authentic”), under which, in connection with the take-private transaction, Authentic will acquire 51% of substantially all of Guess? intellectual property after which all of the outstanding common stock of Guess? not already beneficially owned by the Rolling Stockholders will be acquired in an all-cash transaction that values Guess? at approximately $1.4 billion, including debt. The Rolling Stockholders will own 49% of all Guess? intellectual property, and current Guess? management will continue to run the business and own 100% of the operating company.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Guess?’s 2026 fiscal year, subject to satisfaction or waiver of customary conditions, including approval by the holders of a majority of Guess?’s outstanding common stock and a majority of the votes cast by the unaffiliated stockholders of Guess?.
About Guess?
Guess? designs, markets, distributes and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world. As of May 3, 2025, Guess? directly operated 1,074 retail stores in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Guess?’s partners and distributors operated 527 additional retail stores worldwide. As of May 3, 2025, Guess? and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide.
About Authentic Brands Group
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is the world’s leading owner of sports, lifestyle and entertainment intellectual property. It acquires and owns iconic brands, positions them for long-term growth and partners with top-tier operators to scale globally, all while delivering bold storytelling and marketing that brings each brand to life.
Authentic owns more than 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales. These brands have a significant presence in 150 countries, with more than 29,000 freestanding stores and shop-in-shops, as well as 500,000 points of sale worldwide. Authentic’s portfolio of globally recognized brands includes Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Reebok, Champion, Nautica, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Sports Illustrated, Eddie Bauer, Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Dockers, Quiksilver, Billabong, Sperry, Hunter and Ted Baker. Through its joint venture with Saks Global, Authentic Luxury Group (ALG), it drives growth for luxury and accessible luxury brands, including Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Hervé Léger, Vince, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH.