Mergers & Acquisitions

NEW YORK — NYSW Beverage Brands has named Amir J. Daibes, P.E., the new president and part owner of the company. Daibes joined the New York-based bottled water company after more than 30 years in the engineering, manufacturing and construction industry.

“This is an exciting, young company positioned for growth with great products and tremendous potential in the marketplace,” Daibes said.  “I am honored to be part of the team, and look forward to building its brands and footprint.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group said Thursday it has appointed Jeff Gerstel as president of Dressbarn, and named George Goldfarb as president of its Maurices brand, both effective immediately.

The new executives will report to David Jaffe, president and CEO of Ascena Retail Group.

Gerstel joined Dressbarn in 2006 as senior VP operations and most recently served as executive VP and COO.

Goldfarb joined Maurices in 1985, was named CFO in 2003, and most recently was its executive VP and COO.

San Mateo, Calif. -- IBM and DemandTec announced Thursday that the two companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement for IBM to acquire DemandTec in a deal worth approximately $440 million.

IBM said the acquisition of DemandTec will extend its Smarter Commerce initiative by adding cloud-based price, promotion and other merchandising and marketing analytics to help companies better define the best price points and product mix based on customer buying trends.

Houston -- ATM owner Cardtronics said Thursday it has forged a long-term agreement in Puerto Rico with National Lumber & Hardware to install ATMs at 38 locations for the home improvement and interior design retailer.

National Lumber & Hardware is a division of Pitusa, the island’s largest Puerto Rico-based retailer.

ARMONK, N.Y. and SAN MATEO, Calif. — IBM announced that it intends to acquire DemandTec for $13.20 per share, or at a net price of approximately $440 million, after adjusting for cash. 

Anaheim, Calif. -- Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. reported Wednesday that losses widened in the third quarter to $17.6 million, from $7.1 million a year earlier. The decline was due in large part to charges associated with store closures.

PLANO, Texas and NEW YORK — JCPenney is looking to capture its share of the Martha Stewart brand that has become synonymous with Kmart, by launching a strategic alliance with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia to create a unique and comprehensive retail experience featuring Martha Stewart products, know-how and advice.

By Tom Mullaney, [email protected]