Luxury Fashion Is Struggling In The First Half Of 2024—Here’s Why
ForbesJUL 22 2024
Nordstrom Goes Private in $6.25B Family-Led Buyout Deal
Above: Shoppers go inside a Nordstrom department store at Fashion Valley, San Diego Calif. on Dec. 13, 2024. Image copyright: Kevin Carter/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired by its founding family and Mexican retailer El Puerto de Liverpool in a deal valued at $6.25B, including debt.
Shareholders would receive $24.25 per share in cash, representing a 42% premium to the stock's March 18 closing price, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2025.
The Nordstrom family would maintain majority control with 50.1% ownership, while Liverpool would own 49.9% of the company after the transaction closes.
The Spin
Narrative A
Taking the company private will allow the Nordstrom family to make necessary long-term investments and strategic changes without public market scrutiny, enabling the business to adapt more effectively to evolving retail challenges.
Narrative B
In general, department stores face significant headwinds as middle-income shoppers turn to cheaper alternatives like Walmart, Amazon, and off-price chains, while luxury retailers like Nordstrom struggle with changing consumer preferences. It's far from clear if this gambit will pay off.