Mergers & Acquisitions

E-commerce infrastructure and cybersecurity initiatives. HVAC equipment upgrades and energy management systems. These days, retail CFOs must allocate capital expenditures to an ever-growing list of components — not all visible to the public but critical to corporate health. And while the role of the retail CFO has broadened considerably in recent years, becoming more strategic and more integral to business decision-making, capex spending remains a top item on their agenda.

“The CFO’s role in prioritizing investments, in what gets done, is still there.

Boot Barn has taken a significant step forward in its e-commerce strategy now that its acquisition of Sheplers is complete.

The menswear market is hot. Men’s apparel sales in the United States rose 2% in 2014 to $61.3 billion, up from $60.8 billion in 2013.

And Men’s Wearhouse — one of North America’s largest menswear specialty retailers with 1,758 stores — has been taking note.

The retailer is capitalizing on the category’s growth via acquisition-fueled expansion, new designer collections and more customized products and service.

Philadelphia -- The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack is reviewing its options.

The chain announced that its board directors has commenced a review of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including a possible sale, merger or other form of business combination or strategic transaction.

Two days before Kraft shareholders are scheduled to vote on a merger with Heinz, the company announced a slew of new executives.

Paulo Basilio was appointed executive vice president and CFO, having joined Heinz in June 2013 as CFO. Kraft's CFO James Kehoe and other Kraft executives are being let go in 30 days or when the merger is completed, Heinz said in a statement.

Dallas - Corner Bakery Cafe has found another route to help it reach its goal of doubling its national footprint in the next two years.

The company, which operates more than 185 company-owned and franchised locations around the country, said it plans to expand in the nation's busiest airports. The chain is basing the plans on success of its Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport location in Atlanta.

Cincinnati -- Kroger now finds itself in need of a COO.  

In an abrupt announcement, Kroger on Tuesday said president and COO Mike Ellis has retired after 40 years with the company. The grocer said a successor will be named at a later date.
 

Accenture is looking to help retailers move more quickly to digital with its acquisition of Javelin Group, a retail strategy consulting and digital transformation services provider.