Perry Ellis goes private as Feldenkreis deal concludes

By

Robin Driver

Published
Oct 23, 2018

Perry Ellis International, Inc. announced on Monday that it has completed its transaction with founder and former chairman George Feldenkreis, who has taken the company private a price of $27.50 per share.
 

The news comes shortly after the apparel group announced on Thursday that a majority of its shareholders had voted in favor of the deal, which values the company at around $437 million.
 
“Today, Perry Ellis enters an exciting new chapter as a private enterprise,” said Feldenkreis in a release. “I want to thank all of our associates at Perry Ellis for their support and hard work to accomplish this transaction.  We are also very grateful to our bankers and advisors that have helped the Feldenkreis family to complete this herculean job.”

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Financing for the transaction was provided by the Feldenkreis family and a loan underwritten by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., PNC Capital Markets LLC and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as well as funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group.
 
“I am pleased that our public shareholders supported this transaction at an attractive valuation," commented Oscar Feldenkreis, son of the Perry Ellis founder and the company’s current CEO. “Moving forward as a private company, with the financial backing of funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, Perry Ellis will have greater flexibility to execute on our long-term strategy of owning and operating brands.”
 
Earlier this year, George Feldenkreis faced a rival bid from Randa Accessories which offered $28.90 per share to acquire Perry Ellis, valuing the company at close to $460 million. However, Randa’s offer was ultimately discounted when a major Perry Ellis licensor refused the proposed deal.
 
Shares of Perry Ellis ceased trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market before the start of trading on Monday.