Guess? to Go Private in Partnership with Authentic Brands
Deal News | Aug 20, 2025 | Ropes & Gray
Under a definitive agreement announced on August 20, 2023, Guess? Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with Authentic Brands Group LLC. The deal facilitates the acquisition of a 51% stake in Guess?'s intellectual property by Authentic Brands. Additionally, Authentic Brands will purchase all outstanding common stock of Guess? Inc. not already owned by the company's founders and associated parties, collectively known as the 'Rolling Stockholders'. The transaction will render Guess? a private entity, with an all-cash total valuation of approximately $1.4 billion, inclusive of debt. Ropes & Gray LLP acted as legal advisor for the Rolling Stockholders, including Guess? co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano, and CEO Carlos Alberini, highlighting a shift in the fashion retail's business strategy.
Sectors
- Fashion and Retail
- Private Equity and Investment Management
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- United States – The transaction involves Guess? Inc., which is headquartered in the United States, and Authentic Brands Group LLC, an American company.
Industry
- Fashion and Retail – Guess? Inc. operates within the fashion and retail industry, specializing in apparel and accessories.
- Private Equity and Investment Management – Authentic Brands Group LLC, a private equity firm, manages and the acquisition falls under investment management activities.
- Legal Advisory – Ropes & Gray served as the legal advisory for the Rolling Stockholders in this transaction.
Financials
- $1.4 billion – The total valuation for the transaction to take Guess? private, including debt.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guess? Inc. | Target Company | Company | Guess? Inc. is a retailer of fashion clothing and accessories. |
| Authentic Brands Group LLC | Bidding Company | Company | Authentic Brands is a brand development and licensing company engaging in acquiring and managing intellectual property. |
| Ropes & Gray LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Ropes & Gray served as the legal advisory firm for the Rolling Stockholders. |
| Maurice Marciano | Rolling Stockholder | Person | Co-founder of Guess? Inc. |
| Paul Marciano | Rolling Stockholder | Person | Co-founder of Guess? Inc. |
| Nicolai Marciano | Rolling Stockholder | Person | Associated with Guess? Inc. |
| Carlos Alberini | Rolling Stockholder | Person | CEO of Guess? Inc. |