Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Clothing Rental Service Plans to Acquire Lord & Taylor
Le Tote will keep the retailer’s 38 locations open for now, but redevelopment may be on the table in 2021.
Toronto—Hudson’s Bay Co. has agreed to sell Lord & Taylor to clothing rental subscription service Le Tote for 99.5 million Canadian dollars ($100 million), the company announced Wednesday morning.
Lord & Taylor’s 38 locations will remain open, with Le Tote assuming responsibility for the operations and extending employment offers to the “vast majority” of associates.
“Following an extensive review of strategic alternatives, Le Tote’s leadership and innovative approach is the best path forward for Lord & Taylor, its loyal customers and dedicated associates,” HBC CEO Helena Foulkes said in a statement.
The Toronto-based company’s portfolio also includes retailers Hudson’s Bay, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th.
As per the terms of the deal, Le Tote will also acquire Lord & Taylor’s brands, intellectual property, digital channels and inventory.
Le Tote, founded in 2012, rents out women’s clothing and accessories for a flat monthly fee, with the option to then purchase them at a discount.
The company has notable backers, including venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and Google Ventures, and has partnered with brands like Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff and Vince Camuto.
Le Tote will pay CA$99.5 million ($75 million) in cash upon closing the deal and a secured promissory note of CA$33.2 million ($25 million), which is payable in cash after two years.
The company is still working on securing financing for the full purchase price but expects to close before the start of the 2019 holiday season.
If Le Tote can’t raise the money within 45 days of signing, HBC can terminate the agreement.
Hudson’s Bay will receive an equity stake in Le Tote and certain minority shareholder rights as well as two seats on its board.
HBC and its real estate joint venture, HBS Global Properties, will retain ownership of all Lord & Taylor-related owned and ground-leased property. The company will continue to pay the rent for the next three years; it expects to be liable for approximately $58 million in Lord & Taylor rent on an annual basis.
In 2021, the two companies can reassess the store network and discuss the best use of the locations, including the possibility of redeveloping the stores into mixed-use properties.
HBC has hired a team to focus on the potential redevelopment plans.
It will be responsible for the long-term rents and costs for redevelopment for any returned or recaptured stores. (A recapture clause refers to a stipulation in a contract that allows the seller of an asset
HBC sold Lord & Taylor’s flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue to WeWork earlier this year.
Lord & Taylor’s fiscal 2018 sales accounted for $1.4 billion of HBC’s $9.4 billion in retail sales, but HBC’s balance sheet reflects a $119 million loss attributable to Lord & Taylor, inclusive of allocated corporate expenses.
PJ Solomon acted as financial advisor to HBC and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as its legal advisor. Le Tote was advised by Citi, as its financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, as its legal advisor.
The Latest
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.