Mergers & Acquisitions

Fremont, Calif. – George Zimmer, the founder and executive chairman of Men’s Wearhouse who was stripped of his executive chairman title last week and has been engaging in a war of words with the retailer ever since, continued his verbal battle in an open letter released on June 26.

Canton, Mass. -- Baskin Robbins has announced plans to develop locations in major metropolitan areas across South Africa and Germany.

The company is seeking qualified, multi-unit franchisee candidates to develop the brand with an initial focus in South Africa in the south, north and east regions. In Germany, the company will focus initially on Berlin and Munich followed by Hamburg, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.

OMAHA, Neb. — Overall sales growth in ConAgra Foods’ consumer foods segment nourished the company’s results for the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter ended May 26. 

The company’s consumer foods segment, which includes specialty potato, seasonings, blends, flavors, and milled grain products, posted sales of $2.3 billion for the quarter, an increase of 7% from $2.1 billion for the quarter last year. Its operating profit was $291 million for the quarter, an increase of 8% from $270 million for the quarter last year, while sales increased 7%.

Minneapolis -- The Opus Group has completed construction of a 42,300-sq.-ft. store for outdoor retailer Gander Mountain in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Opus also constructed the Gander Mountain store in Valdosta, Ga., and provided construction management services for the store in Opelika, Ala. In addition, the retailer has awarded Opus a contract for a 45,600-sq.-ft. store in Albany, Ga.

DSW’s division the Affiliated Business Group has entered into a joint agreement with Loehmann’s which renders ABG the sole supplier for Loehmann’s footwear departments in the company’s U.S. locations and e-commerce site.

The initial roll out is expected to begin at a few stores starting December, with the balance of the chain and e-commerce launching in the first quarter 2014. ABG will plan, procure and deliver the entire women's and men's footwear inventory, while Loehmann’s will provide staffing for the shoe departments.

Benicia, Calif. -- Cycle Gear Inc. opened its second Illinois store in Tinley Park, a suburb just south of Chicago.

The motorcycle apparel and accessories chain operates about 100 stores nationwide.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Sports Authority has appointed Michael Foss as the company’s new CEO, following Darrell Webb’s announcement that he is retiring as CEO and chairman of the board. 

Philadelphia -- Madewell, a J. Crew concept, has signed its first lease in Center City Philadelphia, according to broker Fameco Real Estate. The 4,000 sq.-ft. store will be located near Rittenhouse Square. Neighboring retailers include Intermixx, Burberry, Athleta and Blue Mercury. Fameco and Open Realty Advisors both represented Madewell in the transaction.

Both brokers are also representing searching for a 2,500-sq.-ft. location for J. Crew Men on Walnut Street in Philadelphia.