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US’ Guess? to go private in $1.4 bn deal with Authentic Brands

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US’ Guess? to go private in .4 bn deal with Authentic Brands



Guess?, Inc. (NYSE: GES) announced it has signed a definitive agreement for certain existing Guess? shareholders (collectively, the “Rolling Stockholders”), including Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Nicolai Marciano, and Carlos Alberini and certain of their respective trusts, foundations and affiliates, to enter into a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group LLC (“Authentic”), under which, in connection with the take-private transaction, Authentic will acquire 51% of substantially all Guess? intellectual property after which all of the outstanding common stock of Guess? not already beneficially owned by the Rolling Stockholders will be acquired in an all-cash transaction that values Guess? at approximately $1.4 billion, including debt. The Rolling Stockholders will own 49% of all Guess? intellectual property, and current Guess? management will continue to run the business and own 100% of the operating company.

Guess?, Inc will go private in a $1.4 billion deal with Authentic Brands Group, which will acquire 51 per cent of Guess? IP.
Rolling Stockholders, including the Marcianos and CEO Carlos Alberini, will hold 49 per cent of the IP while management retains 100 per cent of operations.
Shareholders get $16.75/share cash, a 73 per cent premium.
Deal expected to close in FY26 Q4, subject to approvals.

Under the terms of the agreement, Guess? shareholders (other than the Rolling Stockholders) will receive $16.75 per share in cash, representing a premium of approximately 73% to Guess?’s unaffected closing common stock price on March 14, 2025, the last trading day prior to Guess?’s press release announcing its receipt of a non-binding acquisition proposal from a third party.

“Today’s announcement is the result of a thoughtful and independent review by the Special Committee of the Guess? Board of Directors to maximize value for Guess? shareholders,” said Alex Yemenidjian, Chairman of the Guess? Board of Directors and Chairman of the Special Committee. “With the assistance of financial and legal advisors, the Special Committee evaluated a number of potential options and unanimously determined that the transaction with Authentic and the Rolling Stockholders is the best path forward for Guess?, providing Guess? shareholders with immediate and certain cash value at a compelling premium.”

“Over our 44-year history, Guess? has established itself as a global leader in the fashion industry, and today marks another significant milestone on our journey,” said Paul Marciano, Guess? Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. “Guess? has always worked to create a strong network of licensing partners, and joining forces with Authentic – the world’s second largest licensor with a powerful lifestyle and entertainment platform – will enable us to build on this foundation and expand our reach as a global lifestyle brand. Guess?’s incredible legacy is a direct result of our unparalleled understanding of our customers and commitment to creating innovative and iconic designs that stand the test of time. I am grateful to our world-class team members and partners and look forward to continuing to work closely with Carlos and our talented leaders in this new chapter.”

“Through this transaction, we look forward to building on the significant progress we have made to strengthen our organization, improve brand awareness and elevate customer engagement,” said Carlos Alberini, Guess? Chief Executive Officer. “As a private company benefiting from the perspectives of a globally recognized licensing partner, Guess? will have enhanced flexibility to navigate today’s complex operating environment and execute on a more targeted, long-term strategy, enabling us to even better serve customers around the world. I want to thank the Special Committee for their diligent work to determine the best value creation opportunity for our shareholders, as well as express my gratitude to Paul for his decades of visionary leadership and continued partnership on the road ahead.”

“Guess? is a powerhouse brand that has defined style and culture for over 40 years,” said Jamie Salter, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Authentic. “We have tremendous respect for the Marcianos and their team, who have built an innovative, heritage-rich brand with incredible global reach and an established ecosystem of partners. We are excited to build on this legacy in partnership with them as Guess? enters its next chapter within our platform.”

Transaction Details

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Guess?’s 2026 fiscal year, subject to satisfaction or waiver of regulatory and other customary conditions, including approval by the holders of a majority of Guess?’s outstanding common stock and a majority of the votes cast by the unaffiliated stockholders of Guess?.

The Guess? Board of Directors, with Paul Marciano and Carlos Alberini recusing themselves, unanimously approved the proposed transaction upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee of independent and disinterested directors that led the review and negotiation of this transaction.

The Rolling Stockholders have agreed to roll over their shares of common stock and incentive equity of Guess? in connection with, and vote their shares of common stock in favor of, the proposed merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, with such voting obligation terminating if the Merger Agreement is validly terminated, including in connection with a “superior proposal.”

The transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The transaction will be financed through a combination of rollover equity by the Rolling Stockholders and cash commitments by Authentic. Under the terms of the Indenture, dated as of April 17, 2023, between Guess? and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, holders of Guess?’s 3.75% convertible senior notes due 2028 (the “Convertible Notes”) will have certain rights to cause the repurchase, redemption or conversion of their Convertible Notes in connection with the transaction.

Guess? expects to pay a quarterly cash dividend of $0.225 cents per share through the closing of the transaction.

Upon completion of the transaction, Guess?’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.

Advisors

Solomon Partners is acting as financial advisor to the Special Committee, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor LLP are acting as legal counsel to the Special Committee.

O’Melveny & Myers LLP and Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP are acting as legal counsel to Guess? and Joele Frank is serving as strategic communications advisor.

The Sage Group, LLC is acting as financial advisor and Jones Day and Ropes & Gray LLP are acting as legal counsel to the Rolling Stockholders.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal counsel to Authentic.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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Germany’s Boss unveils FW25 campaign featuring rising stars

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Germany’s Boss unveils FW25 campaign featuring rising stars



BOSS proudly unveils its Fall/Winter 2025 brand campaign, placing a bold emphasis on the “Be” in its iconic “Be Your Own BOSS” platform. At the heart of this exciting new chapter are two electrifying talents: Aaron Pierre, the classically trained English actor and upcoming DC Studios superhero, and Ishaan Khatter, the Indian actor and dancer taking Hollywood by storm with his starring role in the 2025 Cannes Film festival darling HOMEBOUND.

These two rising stars embody the drive, determination, and vision it takes to “Be the Next” BOSS, bringing their unique energy and ambition to the forefront of the campaign. They are joined by familiar BOSS talents who are emerging, breaking boundaries, and making their mark across film, sport, music, and fashion: S.COUPS, the globally acclaimed K-pop superstar and SEVENTEEN leader; Taylor Fritz, the fastest-rising star on the professional tennis circuit; and Amelia Gray, one of the fashion industry’s most sought-after new faces.

With Aaron Pierre and Ishaan Khatter bringing fresh perspectives and S.COUPS, Taylor Fritz, and Amelia Gray continuing their inspiring journeys with the brand, the Fall/Winter 2025 campaign is a powerful celebration of ambition, self-expression, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Together, this diverse cast represents the spirit of those striving to define their own paths and inspire others to do the same.

The campaign film captures the five talents journeying through a symbolic tunnel, moving towards a bright light that represents their aspirations and achievements. As they emerge, intimately shot portraits reveal their individuality, styled in the elegant, texturally rich, and tonally harmonious looks of the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Each star shares their personal interpretation of what it means to “Be the Next” BOSS, and reveals who they are striving to become.

With its newest collection, BOSS brings richness and warmth to the cooler months with an emphasis on key tonal combinations: a palette of sage greens, and dusky marled greys contrasted with decadent chocolate hues. This striking spectrum of tones elevates the mood of the campaign, and communicates the elegant cohesion found in BOSS’s 2025 cold-weather looks.

Licensed products, including BOSS Watches, Jewelry, and Eyewear, also feature in the campaign, with S.COUPS, Fritz, and Gray appearing in the coming season’s freshest optical and sunglass frames. Gray is also joined by Dutch model Parker Van Noord to showcase further highlights from the watches and jewelry selection from BOSS launching this coming season.

The campaign will be supported by a 360-degree marketing campaign amplified across large-scale outdoor advertising in key cities around the globe. Digital and static billboards in high-traffic areas will bring the BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 campaign to a wide audience.

The BOSS Fall/Winter 2025 collection will be available at BOSS stores worldwide, on boss.com, and through wholesale partners.

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Boss unveils its Fall/Winter 2025 campaign, spotlighting ‘Be Your Own Boss’ with rising stars Aaron Pierre and Ishaan Khatter, joined by S Coups, Taylor Fritz, and Amelia Gray.
The campaign film showcases ambition and individuality, styled in rich sage, grey, and chocolate hues.
The campaign is backed by global 360° marketing and will be available in stores and online.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)



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US tariff blow puts Indian MSMEs on the brink

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US tariff blow puts Indian MSMEs on the brink



The United States’ decision to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, raising the total duty to 50 per cent, is sending shockwaves through India’s business landscape. 

The US’ imposition of 25 per cent additional tariff on Indian imports has raised the total duty to 50 per cent, creating deep uncertainty for the MSMEs.
As per reports, Panipat and Ludhiana are amongst the hardest hit by the US tariffs.
However, the latest media reports suggest the government is now planning dedicated outreach programmes in 40 countries to counter the steep US tariffs.

Reports indicate nearly 50 per cent of India’s exports to the United States, valued at around $87.3 billion, will face the steep 50 per cent tariff. This will significantly impact the key sectors, including textiles and apparel, gems and jewellery, seafood, and leather goods.

Meanwhile, analysts estimate a GDP reduction between 0.2 per cent and 1 per cent in FY26, with a potential economic contraction of $7 billion to $25 billion, depending on price adjustments and finding new markets while a CRISIL report highlighted that higher US tariffs will have a significant impact on Indias MSME sector, which accounts for approximately 45 per cent of the countrys total exports. Among the hardest hit will be textiles and gems & jewellery, which together make up an estimated 25 per cent of India’s exports to the US.

In cities like Panipat and Ludhiana — two major industrial hubs and home to a large number of MSMEs— the abrupt escalation of US tariffs has triggered a fresh wave of uncertainty, particularly among MSMEs, which form the backbone of the export economy.

Known as India’s “Textile City,” Panipat in Haryana is globally recognised for its production of yarn, home textiles, and recycled fabrics. However, since the imposition of the initial 25 per cent reciprocal tariff by the US, Panipat’s supply chains had been facing serious disruptions, and now, with the additional 25 per cent tariff coming into effect, the implications are going to be devastating expressed fears some industry stakeholders interacting with Fibre2Fashion. 

Panipat’s yarn industry, which boasts an annual turnover of about ₹60,000 crore, relies on exports worth ₹20,000 crore — 60 per cent of which are destined for the US, as per some estimates. This makes the city one of the most exposed to Washington’s aggressive trade stance. Already strained by ongoing global crises such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, high freight costs, and inflation in key international markets like Europe and South America, the industry is struggling to absorb yet another external shock.

For the city’s yarn spinners, exporters, and small-scale crafters, the implications are dire. Increased duties mean Indian products will be significantly less competitive in the US market. Order volumes are expected to drop drastically as American buyers seek cheaper alternatives in other countries. Local businesses, especially the smaller ones, are worried about payment delays, the spectre of cancelled contracts and mass layoffs. 

Meanwhile, Ludhiana, an important export hub in the state of Punjab, is also said to be facing its own set of challenges. The city, which exports a wide range of goods including textiles, hosiery, auto parts, hand tools, and machinery, is said to be staring at a revenue loss of over ₹10,000 crore because of the US tariffs, as per some estimates. 

According to reports, more than 300 companies in Ludhiana are directly engaged in trade with the American market, and the sudden cost escalation will only push them into crisis mode. With roughly ₹6,000 crore worth of textile and hosiery goods shipped annually to the US, as per some estimates, the stakes for Ludhiana’s manufacturers could not be higher.

The tariffs come at a time when exporters in Ludhiana are already under pressure from fluctuating demand, rising input costs, and stiff global competition. The industry now faces the grim prospect of large-scale order cancellations, job loss and even existential threat for some.

However, there now appears to be a glimmer of hope. According to the latest media reports, the Government is now planning dedicated outreach programmes in 40 countries to counter the steep US tariffs. The list reportedly includes key markets such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Turkiye, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Experts have long emphasised that diversifying into new markets and exploring alternative geographies is crucial for survival, and with the Government’s active help, hopefully the industry is able to navigate its way out of the crisis soon.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)



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Indian apparel industry urges urgent govt support

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Indian apparel industry urges urgent govt support



The Indian textiles and garment industry has urged the government to provide urgent relief as the additional 25 per cent punitive tariff imposed by the US will take effect from August 27, 2025. This will push the total duties on Indian apparel exports to above 50 per cent. Industry representatives warned the move poses an existential challenge, threatening millions of jobs and thousands of factories.

The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) said the industry had reconciled to a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff but the further burden would make Indian exports uncompetitive. “The additional 25 per cent will close the US market for Indian apparel. Exporters will now face a tariff differential of 30–31 per cent against major competing nations,” AEPC Secretary General Mithileshwar Thakur told Fibre2Fashion. He urged immediate fiscal support until a bilateral trade agreement can be reached.

India’s apparel industry warns of an existential crisis as US tariffs on exports will soar to above 50 per cent from August 27, 2025.
Exporters face a tariff gap of over 30 per cent against competitors, risking three million jobs and 20,000 factories.
Industry leaders urge urgent fiscal support and stronger diplomatic engagement until a bilateral trade pact is secured.

Jasveen Kaur, Senior Director of Merchandising at New Times Group, described the tariff shock as “seismic,” saying nearly 25 per cent of Tiruppur’s US-bound knitwear orders have already been paused or cancelled. “This is not about two per cent of GDP—it is about millions of jobs and the survival of entire communities,” she said, adding that exporters are slashing prices to keep shipments moving as US buyers renegotiate or withdraw.

Industry estimates suggest around three million jobs and 20,000 factories are at risk. While some exporters are exploring joint ventures in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, Kaur noted that diversifying markets and securing new buyers could take more than a year. “We need decisive government action and stronger diplomatic engagement with the US,” she appealed.

Sanjay K Jain, Chairman of the ICC National Textiles Committee and MD of TT Ltd, echoed these concerns. “The industry is at a standstill, and 50 per cent of orders (for export to the US) will likely be cancelled. The rest can only be retained if exporters absorb losses. The impact of such super-high tariffs will be terrible and felt across the entire value chain,” he warned.

While the government’s recent move to waive the 11 per cent cotton import duty was welcomed, industry players said it offers little relief against the tariff shock. Exporters are focusing on cost optimisation, targeting a 15–20 per cent reset, but say sustained government support is vital to prevent large-scale disruption in India’s apparel sector.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)



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