Mergers & Acquisitions

Goodlettsville, Tenn. – Dollar Tree Inc. beat Wall Street predictions for profits and sales in a generally strong third quarter of fiscal 2014. Net income rose 6% to $133 million from $125.4 million.   Consolidated net sales increased 11% to $2.1 billion from $1.88 billion and consolidated same-store sales increased 5.9%.

As the pet supply industry continues to experience record growth, Petco is looking to expand its online offerings to include prescription services and more premium products.

Petco has agreed to acquire Drs. Foster & Smith, a Wisconsin-based online pet store founded by veterinarians. Drs. Foster & Smith specializes in pet care and education and is known for veterinary expertise on prescription medications and premium products for dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, horses and small animals.

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Inc. has named Anurup Pruthi as senior VP and CFO, effective Dec. 1, 2014. He will report to Michael Scarpa, COO.  

Goodlettsville, Tenn. - Dollar General Corporation isn’t giving up. The deep discounter on Wednesday  affirmed its commitment to the acquisition of rival Family Dollar Stores. Dollar General’s comments followed the news that Family Dollar has delayed its shareholder vote on its $8.5 billion deal to be bought by Dollar Tree Inc. from Dec. 11 to Dec. 23.

Amid an ongoing exploration of strategic alternatives, PetSmart said third quarter sales grew 2.6% thanks to the addition of 36 new stores as same store sales were flat.

Framingham, Mass. - Staples Inc. on Wednesday reported that its third quarter net income rose 60% to $216.8, in line with Wall Street expectations, amid signs that its reinvention strategy is starting to take hold.  

Plano, Texas – J.C. Penney Company Inc. has provided an equity inducement award of 2.07 million restricted stock units (RSUs) to Marvin Ellison, the company’s president and CEO-designee, in connection with his employment. Penney previously disclosed this award in connection with the announcement of Ellison`s appointment in October.

Toronto, Canada – The bad news continued for Sears Canada Inc. during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Following the announcement by parent company Sears Holding that it would sell off most of its 51% ownership stake to shareholders and reports that J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. will end its agreement to issue credit cards for Sears Canada in November 2015, Sears Canada reported a net loss of $118.7 million, significantly larger than the $48.8 million net loss reported the same period a year earlier.