J Crew “Go Shop” Period Ends

J Crew Group, which has received a $2.86 billion buyout offer in November from private equity firms TPG and Leonard Green & Partners, wrapped up its “go shop” period with no new offers, Reuters reported. The company had been in talks with parties including Sears Holdings Corp., Urban Outfitters Inc., and at least two private equity firms, but none resulted in an offer, Reuters said.

(Reuters) – J Crew Group Inc (JCG.N), which received a $2.86 billion private equity buyout offer, said on Wednesday it had received no alternative acquisition proposals during an 85-day “go shop” process that ended Tuesday.

The apparel retailer “engaged in an active and extensive solicitation of 59 potentially interested parties,” which resulted in four parties who negotiated and entered into confidentiality agreements. These did not result in a proposal, however.

Sources previously told Reuters that Sears Holdings Corp (SHLD.O), Urban Outfitters Inc (URBN.O) and at least two other private equity firms had been looking at J Crew’s books.

The “go shop” period to solicit competing offers originally expired on Jan 15 but was extended until Feb 15 amid pressure from shareholders.

In November, the upscale apparel retailer announced that TPG Group and Leonard Green & Partners LP had agreed to buy the company for $43.50 a share, at a premium of about 15 percent.

The announcement spurred a flood of shareholder lawsuits protesting the share price and asserting that J Crew Chief Executive Millard Drexler breached his fiduciary duties to investors.

Drexler had been in discussions with the private equity firms for nearly seven weeks without informing the company’s board, raising questions about corporate governance. [ID:nN07264425] (Reporting by Alexandria Sage; Editing by Bernard Orr)