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Bloomberg
A group including two of Forever 21 Inc’s biggest landlords has offered to buy the bankrupt retailer for $81 million, a fraction of what the international fashion pioneer was once worth.
The consortium of Simon Property Group Inc, Brookfield Property Partners LP and Authentic Brands Group LLC is seeking to buy substantially all of the company’s assets, according to documents filed in federal bankruptcy court.
The so-called stalking horse agreement sets a minimum price for a proposed auction later this month. If no other bidders step forward, the consortium would be declared the winner.
The agreement calls for a court hearing on the deal no later than February 13 and court approval by February 18, the documents show. The would-be buyers have the right to close and wind down certain stores and conduct going-out-of-business sales, according to the filing. They’re also entitled to a $4.65 million break-up fee under some circumstances if the sale isn’t completed.
Forever 21 had been in “substantial, round-the-clock negotiations†about the bid, the Los Angeles-based company said in documents filed.
Bloomberg previously reported that Authentic Brands and Simon Property were mulling a plan to acquire the retail chain.
Forever 21 was talking about selling a stake to Simon and its other largest landlord, Brookfield Property Partners LP, before it filed for bankruptcy in September, Bloomberg reported in September.
Negotiations broke down and the company had to seek court protection without a reorganisation plan in place.