Toys “R” Us Sold for $5.7 Billion

Wayne, N.J., Add another billion-dollar retail transaction to the history books. Toys “R” Us, the original category killer, agreed to be bought by a consortium of two different private equity firms and Vornado Realty Trust. The trio, which will be equal partners in the deal, agreed to pay $5.7 billion for the toy chain. The investors, Vornado, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Bain Capital Partners, agreed to pay $5.7 billion for the toy stores as well as the Babies “R” Us stores. The chain had originally hoped to split the two business, and focus on the faster-growing Babies.

The deal once again brings attention to the valuable real estate holdings at some struggling retailers. While Toys “R” Us has been steadily losing the market-share battle to Wal-Mart over the years, its leases are increasingly valuable. According to reports, the trio of new owners will continue to operate Toys “R” Us as a toy chain for the foreseeable future. Reports also indicate that Toys “R” Us president John Barbour will stay on board.