Mergers & Acquisitions

Emeryville, Calif. -- Jamba Inc., operators of Jamba Juice stores, reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate its move to an asset-light model with the announcement that the company has entered into an agreement with Capgemini, a leader provider of consulting, technology, and outsourcing services. The agreement provides enhanced administrative tools, technology services, and capabilities for Jamba, and is anticipated to create workflow efficiencies while reducing costs as the brand pursues a 10%-20% reduction of overall G&A in 2015.

New York – Ann Inc. is being urged to explore options, including a sale, by activist investor Engine Capital and Red Alder. The two firms, who collectively own more than 1% of the outstanding shares of Ann Inc., are publicly urging the company to sell at a substantial premium above current stock price.

New York -- Toms, the footwear company best known for donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair it sells, has sold a 50% stake in its company to private equity giant Bain Capital LLC. The investment will help Toms expand its distribution in Europe, Asia and in the United States, including increasing its store count from its current two locations.

The investment reportedly values Toms at about $625 million, including debt. Blake Mycoskie, who founded Toms in 2006, will retain a 50% stake and remain at the helm.

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced today the closing of its acquisition of Trunk Club, a leading personalized clothing service for men.
 
The company previously announced its proposed acquisition of Trunk Club by press release on July 31.

New York -- Cushman & Wakefield announced that Michael Prabhu has joined the firm as the U.S. head of Property Management.

Based in downtown Los Angeles, Prabhu’s focus will be on the strategic growth of the firm’s property management business in the U.S.

Cincinnati -- Phillips Edison/ARC Grovery Center REIT II, announced the acquisition of two grocery-anchored shopping centers, Lake Washington Crossing and MetroWest Village. These acquisitions expand the company's portfolio to include the state of Florida.

Lake Washington Crossing is a Publix grocery store-anchored shopping center located in Melbourne, Florida, approximately 35 miles east of Orlando. Other national and regional tenants featured at the 118,698 sq.-ft. shopping center include Sally Beauty, Pizza Hut, KFC and H&R Block.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot on Thursday named Craig Menear, president of the chain's U.S. retail business, as CEO and president, effective Nov. 1. Menear succeeds chairman and CEO Frank Blake.  Blake, who has held the top spot since 2007, will remain chairman.

Menear, who was also elected to the company's board of directors, effectively immediately, assumed his current position in February 2014. He is a 34-year retail veteran, and has been a key leader in the company's success, the retailer said.

New York -- Family Dollar said it favors a smaller deal with potential buyer Dollar Tree, and firmly rejected an offer for takeover by larger competitor Dollar General.

Following an $8.5 billion offer last week by Dollar Tree, Dollar General offered a $9 billion, all-cash deal.