Guess? (NYSE:GES) shares surged in early trade as the American clothing company revealed it will go private in a deal with Authentic Brands that values it at $1.4 billion.
The company said Guess? shareholders will receive $16.75 per share in cash, representing a premium of 73% from when the company first disclosed back in March that it had received an acquisition proposal from a third party.
Guess? will enter into a partnership with Authentic Brands Group, which, in connection with the take-private deal, Authentic will acquire 51% of Guess? intellectual property.
Certain existing Guess? shareholders, including its co-founder Maurice and Paul Marciano, Paul Marciano and CEO Carlos Alberini, will retain 49% of Guess? intellectual property. Current Guess? management will continue to run the business.
“The Special Committee evaluated a number of potential options and unanimously determined that the transaction with Authentic and the Rolling Stockholders is the best path forward for Guess?, providing Guess? shareholders with immediate and certain cash value at a compelling premium,” Guess? board chairman Alex Yemenidjian said in a statement.
Alberini said that as a private company, Guess? will have greater flexibility to navigate a complex operating environment. “Through this transaction, we look forward to building on the significant progress we have made to strengthen our organization, improve brand awareness and elevate customer engagement,” Alberini said.
Guess? shares surged 25.7% to trade hands at $16.75 on Monday morning.