On August 20, 2025, Guess Inc. (GES.N) announced its agreement to be taken private in a deal valued at $1.4 billion, which includes debt. The Guess Inc. acquisition by Authentic Brands involves a consortium led by the company’s co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano, CEO Carlos Alberini, and Authentic Brands, the parent company of Reebok. Under the terms of this agreement, Authentic Brands will acquire 51% of Guess’s intellectual property, while existing shareholders will retain ownership of the remainder.
Shareholders of Guess are set to receive $16.75 per share in cash, which signifies a 26% premium over the stock’s closing price on Tuesday. Following the announcement, Guess’s shares surged nearly 26%, reaching $16.77 in early trading. However, the company’s stock has experienced a 38% decline over the past year, reflecting the challenges posed by stiff competition and economic uncertainties.
This agreement is part of a broader trend of mergers and acquisitions within the apparel and footwear sector, with notable transactions including 3G Capital’s plan to take Skechers private and Dick’s Sporting Goods’ acquisition of Foot Locker. Authentic Brands’ past purchase of Dockers from Levi Strauss & Co. adds to this growing activity.
Taking Guess private is expected to provide the company with increased agility in adapting to a challenging operational landscape and enables a more concentrated long-term strategy. Before this deal was announced, the co-founders and CEO collectively owned approximately 40.18% of Guess, with Paul Marciano owning 28%, according to LSEG data. In March, Guess had received a $13-per-share offer from WHP Global, prompting the formation of a special committee to assess the proposal.
Alex Yemenidjian, chairman of the special committee, stated, “The special committee evaluated a number of potential options and unanimously determined that the transaction with Authentic and (existing shareholders) is the best path forward for Guess.” The Guess Inc. acquisition by Authentic Brands is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, pending regulatory approval.
