Report: Blackstone to aid JCPenney in raising cash

NEW YORK — JCPenney is turning to Blackstone Group to help raise cash and better position itself financially, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The company is reportedly seeking $1 billion in cash, according to the Wall Street Journal, which added that options could include selling a minority stake. Penney already has been in contact with several private equity firms about a potential investment, according to the report.

A Penney spokeswoman said in the article that the company has hired outside advisors over the last several for "expertise about how to best position the company from a financial standpoint during the transformation.”