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This private equity giant is sticking with retail
At a time when most private equity firms are growing increasingly cautious about investing in retail, one firm is going against the grain. Sycamore Partners is raising its biggest-ever fund, which it will use to invest primarily in retail, CNBC reported. The firm is looking to raise between $3 billion and $4 billion, according to the report. The news comes a month after Sycamore closed on its $6.9 billion acquisition of Staples, which it is splitting into three parts. -
Costco ends year on an upbeat note
Costco Wholesale Club reported better-than-expected profit and revenue for its fourth quarter. Net sales for the 17-week fourth quarter ended Sept. 3 rose 15.8% to $41.36 billion from $35.73 billion in year-ago period, which had 16 weeks. Total same-store sales rose 6.1%, with a 6.5% increase in the U.S. and a 4.9% increase in Canada. International same-store sales rose 5.6% E-commerce sales in the quarter were up 21%. Membership fees rose 13% to $943 million.

