Authentic Brands Group in Talks to Buy Iconic Footwear Brand Hunter
- ABG closes in on Hunter Boots acquisition
- Authentic Brands Group is preferred bidder
- Deal might value Hunter at £100m, far above prior estimates
- China’s BaoZun remains interested if ABG deal falls through
- Hunter appointed AlixPartners as advisers on the auction
American-based brand management company Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is reportedly close to acquiring the royal warrant-holding footwear brand Hunter, according to Sky News. The acquisition process is nearing a conclusion with ABG listed as the preferred bidder. Sources suggest that the deal could value Hunter at £100m, significantly higher than previous estimates. If the ABG deal falls through, China’s BaoZun, a digital commerce group owning Gap’s operations in Greater China, remains interested. Hunter has appointed AlixPartners as advisers on the auction. In March, Hunter Boots secured £5m funding from shareholders and an additional £2m from financial lenders. The company was previously saved by Pall Mall Legacy and Goldman Sachs through a £16.5m capital injection in 2020, with Searchlight Capital Partners and Pentland Group holding the remaining shares.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the potential acquisition of Hunter by Authentic Brands Group, mentions the involvement of other interested parties, and includes relevant details about the company’s financial situation. However, it lacks some specifics on the deal value and does not include direct comments from the involved companies.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the potential acquisition of Hunter by Authentic Brands Group and mentions alternative bidders if the deal falls through. It also gives some background on Hunter’s financial situation and previous investments. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Hunter, Authentic Brands Group, BaoZun, financial lenders, Pall Mall Legacy, Searchlight Capital Partners, Pentland Group
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the potential acquisition of Hunter by Authentic Brands Group and its impact on the company’s value, as well as involvement of financial lenders and other stakeholders like BaoZun and Pall Mall Legacy. It also mentions previous financial transactions involving Hunter Boots.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.
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