Mergers & Acquisitions

Fred's Super Dollar has reported total sales for the third quarter of $476.2 million, up 3%. However, Fred's net loss totaled $10.4 million, or minus 28 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $7.3 million, or 20 cents per share in the year-ago period.

Foothill Ranch. Calif. - Struggling teen apparel retailer Wet Seal has hired an investment banker and a senior adviser to analyze potential financial alternatives. Similar to other retailers in the teen sector, Wet Seal has faced up stepped-up competition from fast-fashion leaders such as Forever 21 and H&M.   

Wet Seal has hired an investment banker and a senior adviser to analyze potential financial alternatives for the struggling retailer.

The company said it has hired investment bank Houlihan Lokey and former Tilly's Inc. executive William Langsdorf to aid in a strategic review. Wet Seal said it has not set a deadline for completion of the process and that “there can be no assurance that the exploration of the potential alternatives will result in a transaction.”

New York - The fast-growing accessories retailer Charming Charlie is entering the New York City market in spring 2015.   

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has appointed Tom Horton, former chairman and CEO of American Airlines, as a new member of the company’s board, effective Nov. 21. Horton became the 16th member of the Board and will also serve as a member of the company’s Audit Committee.

Joe Arcuri, vice president and general manager of Procter & Gamble's North American beauty business, has been hired as president of home solutions for Newell Rubbermaid. He'll start the new job on Dec. 1.  

"Joe brings an incredible set of global leadership experiences, a consistent pattern of excellent results and immense personal potential to the company as we continue the drive to make Newell Rubbermaid a larger, faster growing, more profitable, more global company," said Michael Polk, CEO of Newell Rubbermaid.  

Walmart has appointed Tom Horton, former chairman and CEO of American Airlines, as the 16th member of its board of directors. Horton will also serve on the audit committee.  

CANTON, Mass. - Dunkin’ Donuts continues its aggressive expansion with the signing of multi-unit store development agreements with five franchise groups for a total commitment of 63 new restaurants in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Palm Springs and Bakersfield over the next several years.