Mergers & Acquisitions

Cincinnati — Phillips Edison & Co. has announced that D.J. Belock has joined the company as senior VP of finance. He will take responsibility for all financial and internal control activities, including planning and reporting, fundraising, investor relations, accounting and risk management.

Plymouth, Minn. — Lillians, The Hippest Shoppe in Town, has announced the opening of its newest franchise location in the southern Wisconsin town of Monroe. Lillians of Monroe is the brand’s third store opening this year and the eighth location in Wisconsin. The brand offers boutique and department store fashions and accessories.

Brussels — The CEO of Delhaize Group's European division has resigned, effective Oct. 31, the Belgian supermarket operator said.

Delhaize said Stefan Descheemaeker had decided to resign as CEO of Delhaize Europe, though the company did not give a reason. Delhaize said that as a result of Descheemaeker's departure, Delhaize Group EVP and Delhaize Group Southeast Europe and Asia CEO Kostas Macheras would report directly to group CEO Pierre-Olivier Beckers, as would Delhaize Belgium CEO Dirk Van den Berghe, effective Nov. 1.

Dublin, Calif. -- Epicor Software Corporation, a global leader in business software solutions, announced that Joseph (Joe) L. Cowan has been appointed president and CEO.  Cowan, who brings extensive executive management experience in software and technology to Epicor, succeeds Pervez Qureshi, who is stepping down to pursue new opportunities. Qureshi will also be stepping down from his position as a director on the Epicor board of directors.

BeachMint, parent company of JewelMint, StyleMint, ShoeMint and intiMINT, has expanded its partnership with Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, designers of the Row, Elizabeth and James, Olsenboye and StyleMint. 

The agreement names Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen co-chairs of BeachMint's advisory board, a role that will be consultative and creative in nature across the four fashion Mint brands. Previously the celebrity twins were partners and designers solely in BeachMint's apparel brand, StyleMint.

Norwalk, Conn. – GE Capital, Corporate Retail Finance announced it is administrative agent and sole lender on a $100 million senior secured credit facility for Samuels Jewelers. The proceeds will be used to refinance existing debt and to support ongoing working capital needs. GE Capital Markets served as lead arranger.

Framingham, Mass. -- Staples announced the appointment of John Buchta to VP, treasurer and tax. Buchta adds the role of treasurer to his current responsibilities as VP, tax, and will continue to report to Christine Komola, executive VP and CFO.  

Buchta joined Staples in 2011 as VP, tax. Prior to Staples, he was a partner at Ernst & Young.

Buchta succeeds Lisa Scopa, who has been appointed VP, high growth markets.

New York -- Fifth & Pacific Cos., formerly known as Liz Claiborne, agreed to sell its Juicy Couture brand to Authentic Brands Group for $195 million, according to various reports.  

"This decision is the result of a process we began last year—studying our resource allocation needs, our capital structure, and the operating risks and opportunities associated with a three-brand portfolio while still maximizing shareholder value," said William McComb, CEO of Fifth & Pacific, in a statement.