Mergers & Acquisitions

NEW YORK — Iconix Brand Group reported that total revenue for the second quarter of 2012 was approximately $93.6 million, a 5% increase as compared with approximately $89.3 million in the second quarter of 2011.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — Shortly after announcing the firing of its CEO, Wet Seal said it was looking into the possible sale of the company to the Clinton Group.

Wet Seal received a letter from the Clinton Group on July 23 and issued the following response:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Retail facility maintenance and janitorial service provider, Expert JMS, headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and NJS Indoor and Outdoor Services, headquartered in Mt. Laurel, N.J., have combined to create a leading North American provider of quality retail facility services. 

The transaction closed Tuesday, with the continuing enterprise consisting of the combined operations of Expert JMS, NJS and Advantage Janitorial Solutions, an affiliate of NJS. The newly combined entity will approach the market as Expert NJS.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney has sold its interest in Simon Property Group, L.P. back to Simon Property Group Inc. for $248 million in cash, helping the company get back on financial track.

PITTSBURGH — GNC Holdings on Friday elected company president and CEO Joseph Fortunato to serve as chairman. The board also has appointed Michael Hines to serve as lead independent director.

Fortunato succeeds Norman Axelrod, who has resigned as chairman. Axelrod had been a member of the GNC board since March 2007.

Teen retailer Five Below is looking to become a household name following a wildly successful public stock offering this week that could see the company expand its store base from the current 200 units to 2,000.

New Orleans -- Covington, La.-based Stirling Properties said that The Fresh Market will open a new store in New Orleans on July 25, marking the grocery retailer’s fourth store in the state.

“We are excited to open our store in New Orleans and to expand our reach in Louisiana,” said Craig Carlock, Fresh Market president and CEO. “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base.”    

The nation’s leading arts and crafts retailer is looking for a new top executive after John Menzer resigned to focus on recovery from a stroke.

After Menzer suffered a stroke in April, Michaels created an office of the CEO comprised of Lew Klessel, interim COO and a managing director of Bain Capital, and Chuck Sonsteby, Michael’s chief administrative officer and CFO. The pair will continue to lead the company until Menzer’s successor is hired.