Mergers & Acquisitions

DALLAS — Zale Corp. announced that Subha Ramesh has been named SVP real estate. Ramesh will report to Matt Appel, chief administrative officer.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us announced Tuesday a joint venture with Li & Fung Retailing that will expand Toys “R” Us in Southeast Asia and Greater China.

With the new agreement, the existing Toys “R” Us licensed operations throughout Asia, consisting of more than 100 stores and offices across nine markets, will become 70% majority owned and controlled by Toys “R” Us and 30% owned by Li & Fung Retailing.

Farmington Hills, Mich. -- Pet Supplies “Plus” said Tuesday that Donna Capichano Simmons has joined the company as senior VP real estate.

Capichano Simmons, who was previously VP real estate development for Kohl’s, is charged with refining and implementing PSP’s real estate growth strategy.
 

New York City -- RCS Real Estate Advisors said Tuesday it has been retained by bridal retailer Priscilla of Boston to facilitate the closing of its business.

According to Ivan L. Friedman, president and CEO of RCS, the company will facilitate the closing of all 20 Priscilla of Boston locations, effective Dec. 31, by negotiating cost-effective lease terminations or locating replacement tenants.

Priscilla of Boston announced its closing in early September.
 

Richmond, Va. -- Charlotte, N.C.-based Crosland Southeast said it broke ground Friday on Richmond MSA’s newest multi-use development, Stonebridge, which will occupy the site of the former Cloverleaf Mall in Chesterfield County, Va.

The first phase of Stonebridge includes the construction of 144,000-sq.-ft. of retail space – most notably, a 123,600-sq.-ft. Kroger Marketplace grocery store that will be the region’s largest and the company’s most expensive to date.  

New York City -- Iconix Brand Group said it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire The Sharper Image brand and intellectual property assets for $65.6 million in cash.

Iconix purchased Sharper Image from a joint venture led by Gordon Brothers Group, Hilco Consumer Capital, and Bluestar Alliance. Sharper Image products are sold nationwide at department and specialty stores and direct to consumer through the Sharper Image catalog and e-commerce website, sharperimage.com

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- Development, construction, brokerage and property management firm The Hutton Co. said Thursday that Geoff Smith and Bob Elliot, formerly of CBL & Associates, have joined the company.

Karen J. Hutton, owner of the Hutton Co., will retain her title as CEO and Geoff Smith will serve as president. Bob Elliott has been named VP of Hutton Construction.

Toano, Va. -- Flooring retailer Lumber Liquidators reported Thursday that net income in the third quarter rose 57.2% to $6.7 million, compared with $4.3 million in the year-ago period.

Sales surged 16.8% to $172 million in the quarter, and same-store sales increased 3%.

The retailer has opened 33 new store locations in 2011, including six opened during the third quarter. It plans to open seven to nine new stores in the fourth quarter.