Guess? Co-Founders Maurice and Paul Marciano, CEO Carlos Alberini Partner with Authentic Brands Group to Take Guess? Private; Shareholders to Receive $16.75 Per Share in Cash

Guess? has agreed to be taken private by Authentic Brands Group in a deal valued at $1.4 billion. Guess? shareholders will receive $16.75 per share in cash, a 73% premium to the unaffected closing stock price on March 14, 2025. The deal includes a strategic partnership where Authentic will own 51% of Guess? IP, and current management will continue to run the business. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Guess?, Inc. (NYSE: GES) has agreed to be taken private by Authentic Brands Group LLC in a deal valued at approximately $1.4 billion. The transaction includes a strategic partnership where Authentic will own 51% of Guess?'s intellectual property (IP), with the current management team retaining 100% ownership of the operating company. Guess? shareholders will receive $16.75 per share in cash, representing a 73% premium to the unaffected closing stock price on March 14, 2025. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Guess?'s 2026 fiscal year [1].

The agreement between Guess? and Authentic involves a complex restructuring, with Authentic acquiring 51% of Guess?'s IP and the remaining 49% being owned by the rolling stockholders, who include Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Nicolai Marciano, and Carlos Alberini, among others. The current management team will continue to operate the business, with Carlos Alberini, the CEO, expressing optimism about the future of the brand under Authentic's guidance [1].

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and a majority vote by Guess? shareholders. It is expected to be financed through a combination of rollover equity by the rolling stockholders and cash commitments by Authentic. Guess? will continue to pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.225 cents per share until the transaction closes [1].

Paul Marciano, a co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Guess?, stated that the partnership with Authentic will enable the brand to expand its reach and continue its legacy of innovative and iconic designs. Carlos Alberini, the CEO, emphasized the enhanced flexibility and long-term strategy that Guess? will benefit from as a private company [1].

Authentic Brands Group, the world's leading owner of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment intellectual property, owns over 50 global brands, generating approximately $32 billion in annual systemwide retail sales. The partnership with Guess? marks a significant milestone for both brands, as they look to build on their respective legacies and expand their global footprint [1].

The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of Guess?'s 2026 fiscal year, subject to regulatory and customary conditions. Guess? shareholders are encouraged to carefully review the proxy statement and other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction [1].

References:
[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819886654/en/Guess-Co-Founders-Maurice-and-Paul-Marciano-and-CEO-Carlos-Alberini-Partner-with-Authentic-Brands-Group-to-Take-Guess-Private