Mergers & Acquisitions

Wilsonart International, a maker of laminate flooring, countertops and sinks, has named Kristen Manos as its new president. She replaces Bill Gaetano, who announced his retirement late last year. DiGaetano has been president of Wilsonart since 2005 and is a 33-year veteran of the Temple, Texas, company. 

Plantation, Fla. -- Multichannel retailer Dreams, which focuses on the licensed sports products industry, said Wednesday that it has partnered with Hibbett Sports to become its exclusive online provider for team merchandise in the licensed sports category.

Hibbett’s new online platform is stadiumshop.hibbett.com and represents the bricks-and-mortar sporting goods retailer’s first entrance into e-commerce.

SEATTLE — A Tuesday report by the Seattle Times said that Eddie Bauer chief Neil Fiske, who joined the retailer in 2007 and led it through bankruptcy, will leave his post effective March 2.

The company has not given a reason for Fiske’s sudden departure. David Chamberlain, executive chairman, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named. Fiske will remain with the company as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.

Cary, N.C. -- C-store chain The Pantry announced Wednesday that it has appointed Dennis G. Hatchell as president and CEO, effective March 5.

Hatchell succeeds Edwin Holman who served as interim CEO since Terrance Marks resigned as CEO effective in October 2011.

Hatchell previously served as vice chairman of Alex Lee, a holding company for Lowe’s Food Stores, Merchants Distributors and Institution Food House.

TORONTO — Canadians who need an extra jolt to get through shopping at Target will get some help via Starbucks. Target Canada and Starbucks Coffee Canada have agreed to open Starbucks licensed stores inside most of the 125 to 135 stores that Target plans to open in the region.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering $481 million in eight-year senior notes to refinance debt that is scheduled to come due in three years, the retail pharmacy chain said Tuesday.

Rite Aid said it would use money from the offering to pay interest and other expenses related to a tender offer announced Tuesday for all outstanding 8.625% senior notes due 2015. The price includes the $459 million principal plus a 2.625% premium.

Seattle -- A Tuesday report by the Seattle Times said that Eddie Bauer chief Neil Fiske, who joined the retailer in 2007 and led it through bankruptcy, will leave his post effective March 2.

The company has not given a reason for Fiske’s sudden departure. David Chamberlain, executive chairman, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is named. Fiske will remain with the company as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition.

Chicago -- General Growth Properties and Italian restaurant chain Buca di Beppo announced Tuesday the scheduled opening of 10 Buca di Beppo restaurants set to open at various properties within the GGP mall portfolio during late summer 2012.

The multi-restaurant deal marks a significant expansion of the Buca di Beppo restaurant group. New mall locations include Governor’s Square Mall in Tallahassee, Fla., August (Ga.) Mall, Oakwood Center in New Orleans and Town East Mall in Dallas.