International Business

Los Angeles -- Guess said Wednesday that its fourth-quarter net income rose 19% on a boost in sales in Europe, Asia and North America.

Guess said it earned $103.3 million, compared with profit of $86.6 million, or 93 cents per share, during the same period a year prior.

Revenue rose 18% to $756.9 million from $642 million. The results beat the expectations of analysts.

New York City -- Private equity firm Golden Gate Capital Corp. agreed to sell a majority stake in J. Jill to Arcapita Bank BSC, a Bahrain-based investment bank, less than two years after buying the company. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Golden Gate will remain a minority shareholder in the company. J. Jill President and CEO Paula Bennett will continue to lead the chain.

Golden Gate bought J. Jill in June 2009 from The Talbots for about $75 million.
 

SAN FRANCISCO  -- Levi's announced it has appointed Laurie Etheridge as the global lead of women's merchandising and design.  As SVP women's merchandising and design for the Levi's brand, Etheridge will be responsible for the design, development and merchandising of all of Levi's women's product categories across all its regions. Etheridge joins the company from Perry Ellis International where she leads merchandising and design for women's global fashion brands, including Jantzen, Jag, Perry Ellis and Southpoint.

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores has announced the appointment of James Bruce Marshall as SVP and managing director international business development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. said Wednesday that it has opened a 10th Destination Maternity store in the Middle East, this one located in Discovery Center, in Kuwait.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Wednesday it has appointed James Bruce Marshall as senior VP and managing director, International Business Development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

Marshall was previously senior VP and managing director international development and operations, for Claire's Stores, where he was responsible for joint venture and franchise operations across 23 countries.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Safeway has announced the appointment of T. Gary Rogers to the company's board of directors. The company's board of directors will expand from nine to 10 members with this new appointment.

"Gary's vast experience as a supplier to the grocery industry, his business acumen and experience as a director will be great assets to the board," said Safeway chairman, resident and CEO, Steve Burd. "We are pleased he is joining our board."

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft Foods on Monday announced that its EVP and CFO, Timothy McLevish, will leave the company in mid-2011.

McLevish, who served as EVP and CFO for Kraft since 2007, will shift his CFO responsibilities to EVP operations David Brearton. Prior to his exit, McLevish will report the company's first-quarter financial results.

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- The NBCUniversal Television, DVD, Music and Consumer Products Group announced that Ed Prince has been promoted to VP business and legal affairs. In addition, Christopher Lucero and Drew Rowley have joined the department as directors of global licensing. The announcement was made by Kim Niemi, SVPt.