Ascena Retail Group, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2024)

SUFFERN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (NASDAQ – ASNA) today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Charming Shoppes, Inc., a leading apparel retailer specializing in women’s plus-size apparel. Charming Shoppes shareholders received $7.35 for each share of Charming Shoppes. Ascena financed the approximately $900 million transaction through a combination of cash on hand and $325 million of borrowings from its credit facilities.

Charming Shoppes, which operates, among other things, the LANE BRYANT® and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES® retail store brands and e-commerce businesses, will now operate as a separate subsidiary of Ascena. The combined company now operates approximately 3,800 locations and, on a trailing 12 month basis, generated over $4.4 billion of combined net sales.

Originally announced on May 2, 2012, the acquisition followed the completion of the tender offer Ascena made through its wholly owned subsidiary, Colombia Acquisition Corp., for all of the outstanding shares of Charming Shoppes’ common stock for $7.35 per share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes. Immediately prior to the merger, Colombia Acquisition Corp. held more than 80% of Charming Shoppes’ outstanding common stock, including the shares purchased in the tender offer and the newly issued shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of the top-up option in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement. As a result, Ascena was able to complete a short-form merger under Pennsylvania law without a vote or meeting of Charming Shoppes’ shareholders.

With the completion of the merger, Charming Shoppes’ shares were delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the Chicago Stock Exchange and trading ceased at the close of business on Thursday, June 14th.

“We are delighted to announce the completion of this exciting merger with Charming Shoppes,” said David Jaffe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascena. “We believe that we have a significant opportunity to fully realize the significant potential of this business. The Lane Bryant and Catherine’s businesses are extremely complementary to our other concepts and we expect them to integrate seamlessly. Though this process will take time, we believe there is an excellent opportunity to streamline the business, capture efficiencies and to share resources. We are confident that our combined company will have significant competitive advantages and that this transaction will enable us to continue to demonstrate our leadership position in the specialty retail market. Over time, we also are confident that this merger will enable us to reach new record levels of financial performance and create value for our stockholders. We welcome the Charming Shoppes organization into the Ascena retail family and are very excited to join forces and demonstrate the power of this business and our combined capabilities.”

Ascena also announced that, based on the results of its strategic review of Charming Shoppes’ operations, it plans to cease operating and close down Charming Shoppes’ FASHION BUG® business by early 2013. In 2011, Charming Shoppes closed 124 Fashion Bug stores. Charming Shoppes had previously announced its intention to continue to close certain Fashion Bug stores. In addition, Ascena announced that it is exploring a potential sale of Charming Shoppes’ Figi’s® business, which markets food and specialty gift products. Although the Figi’s business is a growing and profitable business, it is clearly a different type of business than Ascena’s other apparel brands. Ascena can provide no assurance as to whether any such transaction will be consummated or the terms or timing thereof and undertakes no obligation to make any further announcements regarding such transaction.

BofA Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor and Proskauer Rose LLP as legal advisor for Ascena. Barclays Inc. acted as financial advisor and Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP as legal advisors for Charming Shoppes.

About Ascena Retail Group, Inc.

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. is a leading national specialty retailer of apparel for women and tween girls, operating through its wholly owned subsidiaries, the dressbarn, maurices and Justice brands. Ascena operates through its subsidiaries approximately 2,600 stores throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada.

dressbarnoffers casual, career and special occasion fashion apparel and accessories at value prices for women ages 35-55, operates 838 stores in 48 states.mauricesoffers casual and career apparel and accessories at value prices to the fashion-conscious woman, ages 17-34 with a 20-something attitude, and operates 813 stores in 44 states and Canada.Justiceoffers trend-right apparel and accessories at value prices for tween girls ages 7-14 and operates 920 stores in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

For more information, visit www.ascenaretail.com, www.dressbarn.com, www.maurices.com and www.shopjustice.com.

About Charming Shoppes, Inc.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. is a leading apparel retailer specializing in women’s plus-size apparel. At April 28, 2012, Charming Shoppes, Inc. operated 1,832 retail stores in 48 states under the names LANE BRYANT®, CACIQUE®, LANE BRYANT OUTLET®, FASHION BUG®, FASHION BUG PLUS® and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES®. The company also operates the Figi’s family of brands, including the holiday food and gifts catalog Figi’s® Gifts in Good Taste®, the home and gifts catalog Figi’s® Gallery and its wholesale unit Figi’s Business Services. For more information about Charming Shoppes and its brands, please visit www.charmingshoppes.com, www.lanebryant.com, www.cacique.com, www.fashionbug.com, www.catherines.com, www.loop18.com, www.figis.com and www.figisgallery.com.

Ascena Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements, which include all statements other than those made solely with respect to historical fact. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and neither Ascena nor Charming Shoppes undertakes any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including the following: (a) the risk that the transaction disrupts current plans and operations; (b) the risk that anticipated synergies and opportunities as a result of the transaction will not be realized; (c) difficulties or unanticipated expenses in integrating Charming Shoppes into Ascena; (d) the risk that the acquisition does not perform as planned, including the risk that Charming Shoppes will not achieve anticipated revenue and profitability improvements; (e) potential difficulties in employee retention following the closing of the transaction; (f) the risk of unanticipated costs and expenses in connection with the closing of the Fashion Bug business; and (g) the risk that Ascena is not able to divest the Figi’s business in the timeframe or on terms acceptable to Ascena.

Ascena Retail Group, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Charming Shoppes, Inc. (2024)

FAQs

Is Charming Shoppes still in business? ›

Charming Shoppes, Inc., is a leading retailer, specializing in women's apparel. Founded in 1940 with a single store in Philadelphia, Charming now operates over 1200 stores in more than 40 states; all of its store operations are under the names Fashion Bug and Fashion Bug Plus.

Does Ascena Retail Group still exist? ›

Our Company

ascena is a national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes and accessories for women.

What does Ascena Retail Group own? ›

and our brands Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey, we are committed to helping our clients put their best selves forward every day. Through our purpose–led programs, we develop campaigns that engage, inspire and connect our clients and associates with the charities and causes they care about.

What is the oldest store that is still open? ›

Gray's General Store is a general store located at 4 Main Street in Adamsville, Rhode Island.

What is the oldest department store still in business? ›

Then & Now: The 164-year history of America's oldest department store, Macy's.

Who founded Charming Shoppes? ›

Ellis Gerson Wachs, Charming Shoppes Executive and Philanthropist, Dies at 88. Ellis Gerson Wachs, who built a small women's clothing store into a major international chain and contributed to numerous charitable causes — many within the local Jewish community and in Israel — died Aug.

Who bought out Fashion Bug? ›

Ascena Retail Group acquired Fashion Bug's parent company, Charming Shoppes, in June for about $900 million and decided to close all 600 Fashion Bug locations in 43 states. As part of the sale, Ascena also acquired Charming Shoppe's Lane Bryant and Catherine's stores.

Did Fashion Bug go out of business? ›

In early 2012 Ascena Retail Group, the parent company of DressBarn, Maurices, and Justice, announced an $890 million buyout of Charming Shoppes Inc. All Fashion Bug stores, including the five in West Michigan, were closed by winter 2013.

What was the decision in Ascena third party release? ›

In Ascena, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia invalidated the debtor's third-party releases contained in the debtor's plan, holding that the bankruptcy court exceeded the constitutional limits of its authority by granting the third-party releases.

Is Ascena Retail going out of business? ›

Mahwah, formerly known as Ascena Retail Group, filed for bankruptcy in July 2020 with more than $1 billion in debt and plans to close many of its stores. The company's brands, including Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and Loft, were later sold to private equity firm Sycamore Partners.

What is Ascena Chapter 11 plan? ›

During the case, Ascena sold substantially all of its assets and filed a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization (the “Plan”). The Plan contained broad non-consensual releases of claims by all of Ascena's creditors in favor of various non-debtor parties (the “Third-Party Releases”).

What companies are owned by Super Retail Group? ›

The Super Retail Group owns four major brands including rebel, BCF, Super Cheap Auto, and Macpac.

Does Ascena own Dress Barn? ›

Dressbarn.com (branded as dressbarn) is an online retailer owned by Retail Ecommerce Ventures. Its predecessor is the former chain of women's clothing stores owned by Ascena which operated as Dressbarn from 1962 until 2019. Since 2020, it is owned by Miami, Florida-based Retail Ecommerce Ventures.

What's the oldest grocery store in America? ›

Doud's Market is the number one specialty food market in Mackinac Island, Michigan, and it also holds the title of the oldest grocery store in America. This 130-year-old food market has 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, and one reviewer raves, "Doud's has been a staple on Mackinac Island for decades and is well-stocked."

What is the oldest retail store in the USA? ›

Yes Brooks Brothers, founded in 1818, is both the oldest retail chain and oldest retail clothing company but the Moravian Book Shop has the distinction of being the oldest retailer of any kind in America. The Moravian Book Shop is also the oldest bookstore in America. The shop is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

What is the biggest department store in the US? ›

Macy's Herald Square is the largest department store in the US, with 1.25 million square feet of retail space across 12 floors. The department store moved to this location, which is an entire city block, in 1902, according to Macy's Inc.

What was the store called before Walmart? ›

The history of Walmart, an American discount department store chain, began in 1950 when businessman Sam Walton purchased a store from Luther E. Harrison in Bentonville, Arkansas, and opened Walton's 5 & 10.

What is the oldest store on earth? ›

The husband and wife team were revolutionary in this fast-changing industry called retail. Le Bon Marché was founded in Paris in 1852, making it the world's oldest and longest-running department store. The practice of returning merchandise for a refund? Le Bon Marché lays claim to the concept.

What is the biggest department store in the world? ›

World's Largest Store: world record in New York City, New York
  • "Macy's Herald Square (originally named the R. H. Macy and Company Store) is the flagship of Macy's department store, as well as the Macy's, Inc. ...
  • World's Largest Store: Macy's Herald Square. ...
  • Difference between Mall and Department Store.
Nov 18, 2022

When did Fashion Bug stores close? ›

The move came Friday as Ascena Retail Group Inc. completed its acquisition of Charming Shoppes, the owner of Lane Bryant, Catherines Plus Sizes, Fashion Bug and other brands. Fashion Bug closed 124 stores in 2011, according to a press release.

Who bought Charming Charlie? ›

Chanaratsopon regained control of the brand when a real estate firm he reportedly controlled bought up Charming Charlie's intellectual property in bankruptcy last year for more than $1 million. He told the Houston Chronicle a year ago that he planned to revive the retailer.

Who owned Charming Charlies? ›

Charlie Chanaratsopon

Does Sofia Vergara have her own clothing line? ›

Sofía Vergara's Denim-Inspired Walmart Clothing Line - PureWow.

What did Fashion Bug sell? ›

Fashion Bug — Fashion Bug was the chain that founded Charming Shoppes—and, for many years, was their only brand. The chain, at one point, grew to over 1200 stores nationwide. The stores sold women's fashion apparel and were located in strip shopping centers, catering to middle and lower-class segments.

Does Melissa Mccarthy have her own clothing line? ›

It has sizes ranging from 4 to 28, so women of all shapes and sizes will be able to strut their stuff in the new collection. But just because Melissa's line is available in a range of sizes that go up to a 28, don't default to calling it "plus-size." "Women come in all sizes," Melissa told Refinery29.

Will fast fashion disappear? ›

Yes! People are getting more environmentally conscious and data shows we're becoming more driven to buy sustainable products. Consumers have pushed companies to evaluate their labour practises and effects on the climate crisis.

What fashion brands are going out of business? ›

Fashion and Retail-Related Bankruptcies
  • February 2023 – Tuesday Morning. Off-price retailer Tuesday Morning Corp. ...
  • January 2023 – Forma Brands LLC. ...
  • December 2022 – M & Co. ...
  • August 2022 – Secoo. ...
  • June 2022 – Revlon. ...
  • May 2022 – Missguided. ...
  • November 2021 – Roland Mouret. ...
  • August 2021 – Sequential Brands Group.

What happened Shein clothing? ›

Fast-fashion giant Shein investigated its own factories after damning report on working conditions—and the results are costing $15 million to fix. Garment workers in a factory that supplies Shein in Guangzhou, China.

What does it mean to be released of third-party? ›

Third-Party Release means the release provided by the Releasing Parties in favor of the Released Parties as set forth in Article 13.2 of the Plan.

What does third-party release mean? ›

Third-party releases, by which a non-debtor releases another non-debtor from both prepetition and postpetition claims. Exculpation clauses, by which a debtor or a non-debtor releases professionals and other fiduciaries of the estate, such as officers and directors.

Is ascena selling justice? ›

New Jersey-based Ascena (OTCMKTS: ASNAQ) will sell the tween brand's intellectual property and other assets to Justice Brand Holdings LLC, which is an entity formed by private New York City brant management company Bluestar Alliance LLC, following a competitive bidding process.

Why retail companies are closing stores? ›

Although most of the time closing a retail store is a bad sign, this is not always the case. Retail stores start closing for many different reasons, such as over-expansion, cash crunch, brand related issues, mall related issues, economic and demographic reasons.

Why is Dress Barn going out of business? ›

We visited a Dressbarn store in New York and found hollow display cases and shelves beginning to empty. Otherwise, it was a tidy and organized store. Dressbarn's outdated clothing, convoluted pricing system, and clunky aesthetic gave us a clue as to why the store may have fallen out of style.

How is Ascena doing? ›

After ditching its discount banners last year, (liquidating Dressbarn and all its 544 stores and selling a majority stake in Maurices), Ascena is now further dismantling its stable. That includes selling its Catherine's plus-size banner to online plus retailer City Chic, closing all Catherine's stores in the process.

What is this Chapter 11 all about? ›

This chapter of the Bankruptcy Code generally provides for reorganization, usually involving a corporation or partnership. A chapter 11 debtor usually proposes a plan of reorganization to keep its business alive and pay creditors over time. People in business or individuals can also seek relief in chapter 11.

What's the difference between Chapter eleven and chapter 7? ›

Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 11 bankruptcy are both common options for businesses in declaring bankruptcy. The key differences essentially amount to liquidation vs. a reorganization and restructuring of debt.

What's the difference between Chapter Eleven Chapter 13? ›

Chapter 11 can be done by almost any individual or business, with no specific debt-level limits and no required income. Chapter 13 is reserved for individuals with stable incomes, while also having specific debt limits.

How many team members does Super Retail Group have? ›

With more than 14,000 team members across Australia, New Zealand and China, Super Retail Group's success is underpinned by a continued focus on maintaining and enhancing our culture, products and core values.

How many employees does Super Retail Group have? ›

Super Retail Group has 14,305 employees What industry does Super Retail Group belong to?

Is Talbots part of Ascena Retail Group? ›

Ascena also previously owned the DressBarn and closed all of its stores last year. Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, which owns a number of retailers including Belk, Hot Topic, Staples, Talbots and Torrid.

Who owns Catherine's? ›

Catherines Inc

Are Talbots and Loft the same company? ›

Talbots' parent company Sycamore Partners recently purchased the Ascena Retail Group Inc., which owns Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey, for $540 million.

Why is it called Dressbarn? ›

In 1962, Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe started Dressbarn to help women in the workplace find designer clothing at a discount. The name was born from the initial item they were selling, dresses, and in the '60s the term “barn” noted value or discount.

Is Dressbarn owned by Ann Taylor? ›

Its owner, Ascena Retail Group Inc., says it wants to focus on its more profitable brands. Ascena also owns Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and other clothing stores. The company did not say when Dressbarn will shut all its stores.

When did Charming Charlies go out of business? ›

Charming Charlie was founded by (Charming) Charlie Chanaratsopon in 2004, offering women's apparel, accessories and more, around by color. The brand filed for bankruptcy in 2017, reorganized and came back, then announced a 2nd bankruptcy in July 2019, closing all 261 remaining stores.

What are Lane Bryant sister companies? ›

Lane Bryant's "sisters" include Fashion Bug and Catherines.

Why is Charming Charlie closing 2022? ›

Fashion accessory retailer Charming Charlie will close all its stores after going bankrupt for the second time in less than two years. More than 3,000 full- and part-time employees could lose their jobs. Charming Charlie Holdings Inc.

Why did Charming Charlie fail? ›

The company said it faced "unsustainable operating expenses, including onerous leases" at a time when many brick-and-mortar stores are battling with online retailers.

How much is Charming Charlie worth? ›

With an estimated net worth of $500 million he's careening toward billionaire status before his 40th birthday.

Who is the CEO of Charming Charlie? ›

Is Charming Charlie a franchise? ›

Charming Charlie has about 370 stores in the U.S., four in Canada and 16 franchised locations in the Middle East and the Philippines.

How many locations does Charming Charlies have? ›

Women's apparel and accessories retailer Charming Charlie hopes to have a big comeback in 2021 some 18 months after the firm fell into bankruptcy and closed all 261 of its stores.

Are Lane Bryant and victoria secret the same company? ›

What Companies Are in L Brands? As of August 2021, L Brands operates solely as Bath & Body Works, Inc. Previously, L Brands included popular retailers, including The Limited, Victoria's Secret, PINK, Bath & Body Works, Henri Bendel, Lane Bryant, Lerner Stores, and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Are Talbots and Ann Taylor owned by the same company? ›

Talbots' parent company Sycamore Partners recently purchased the Ascena Retail Group Inc., which owns Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey, for $540 million.

Who owns Bath and Body Works? ›

Bath & Body Works

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 5859

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.