Global lifestyle brand Guess? is considering a proposal to go private, following an offer from brand management company WHP Global.
The proposition, extended via WHP Global’s subsidiary WHP Investments, suggests a cash purchase of Guess?’s shares at $13 each, excluding those owned by insiders such as Paul Marciano, Maurice Marciano and Carlos Alberini.
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Guess? has established a special committee to assess the offer.
With support from external financial and legal consultants, it will decide what serves the interests of both Guess? and its shareholders.
While the future remains uncertain with no promise of a binding offer, contract execution or transaction completion, Guess? will not comment until the committee concludes its review or additional information needs to be disclosed.
In April 2024, Guess? joined forces with WHP Global to secure the intellectual property and operational assets of New York fashion label, rag & bone.
The partnership resulted in Guess? managing rag & bone stores in both the US and the UK, and distributing its products in upscale boutiques, department stores and online platforms worldwide.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Guess? specialises in designing, marketing, distributing and licensing clothing, denim, footwear, handbags, watches, eyewear and other consumer goods.
As of early November 2024, it had direct oversight of 1,057 retail outlets across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
The company’s market valuation stood at $500m on Friday14 March. Following news of the acquisition offer the following Monday, its shares surged 31%, according to Reuters.
In mid March 2025, WHP Global and Guess? reached a new licensing agreement with Signal Brands to boost the development of rag & bone’s handbags and small leather products line.
