Mergers & Acquisitions

New York - In a long-awaited decision handed down late Monday, Dov Charney, the controversial founder of American Apparel, has been fired "for cause" as CEO. He was suspended as president and CEO of the hipster apparel chain in June for alleged misconduct and violations of company policy, American Apparel said in a statement. The decision was made by the board’s “suitability committee,” which was formed in the wake of Charney’s suspension to oversee an internal investigation.

VeriFone and First Data are teaming up to help U.S. merchants reduce their exposure to data breaches and expedite merchant acceptance of EMV-enabled credit and debit cards.

Large-scale theft of consumer payment data from merchants’ integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems is among the biggest challenges facing the payments industry.

Brisbane, Calif. – Bebe Stores Inc. has named Jim Wiggett, who has been serving as interim CEO since June 2014, as permanent CEO and member of the board of directors. Wiggett is a 40-year retail and business veteran.  

After weeks of exploring “strategic alternatives,” PetSmart has agreed to be acquired for about $8.7 billion by a consortium led by London-based BC Partners.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement with BC Partners, which maximizes value for all of our shareholders and best positions PetSmart to continue to meet the needs of pet parents," said Gregory Josefowicz, chairman of PetSmart. "This transaction represents the successful conclusion of our extensive review of strategic alternatives." 

Phoenix – PetSmart Inc. has agreed to be purchased for about $8.7 billion by a consortium of buyers led by private equity firm B.C. Partners and also including pension fund manager La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and private equity firm StepStone. The total figure represents an acquisition price of $83 per share, a 39% premium over PetSmart’s closing price on July 2, 2014.  

A $43.5 million fine has been levied against 10 Wall Street firms for doing what they were asked by Toys “R” Us as the retailer prepared an ill-fated public stock offering in 2010.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) levied the $43.5 million fine against the 10 investment banks – but not Toys “R” Us – for allowing their equity research analysts to solicit investment banking business and offer favorable research coverage in connection with the retailer’s planned IPO in 2010.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings believes that the massive cost cutting plan outlined today by RadioShack is likely not sufficient to forestall a restructuring of the company's debt in the near term. Fitch currently rates RadioShack Corporation's (RadioShack) Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) 'C'. A full list of ratings is shown below.  

On the heels of announcing a new partnership with Lowe's and HGTV, Sherwin-Williams Co. is predicting healthy sales growth for this year and next year. For the full year 2014, the company expects consolidated net sales to increase approximately 9% compared with full year 2013.