// ABG, which owns Reebok and a controlling stake in David Beckham’s consumer goods stable is exploring a takeover bid for Ted Baker
// The US-based brand licensing empire is among several parties who could make a play for the retailer
Authentic Brands Group (ABG), the US giant behind Reebok, Juicy Couture and Forever 21 is reportedly exploring a takeover bid for Ted Baker.
City sources told Sky News that the group is among several interested parties who could make a play for the London-listed fashion retailer, although nothing is certain.
ABG, which was recently valued at almost £10.1bn, is among several parties including private equity firm Sycamore Partners, who have been in discussion with Ted Baker’s financial advisers over the past month.
READ MORE:
- Ted Baker founder supports buyout by Sycamore
- Ted Baker confirms US private equity firm Sycamore will join formal sale process
- Ted Baker puts itself up for sale as bids for the business intensify
ABG’s proposal could be the latest of several offers on the table, however it is unclear whether the company would go solo or with a partner.
In addition to controlling the estates of celebrities such as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, ABG also has a controlling share in David Beckham’s consumer goods business, which it announced in February.
Run by the billionaire businessman Jamie Salter, ABG is a global brand development and entertainment company which controls the estates of celebrities such as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe.
City sources said this weekend that a deadline for non-binding indicative offers for the fashion retailer passed on Thursday, and that ABG was understood to be part of that process.
Last month, Ted Baker rejected a number of bids from Sycamore, under grounds that their proposals had significantly undervalued the high street fashion chain.
Sycamore has recently lodged three takeover proposals, the first two of which valued Ted Baker at 130p-a-share and 137.5p-a-share – equivalent to roughly £250m, while the value of the last one was undisclosed.
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