Guess is set to go private in a $1.4bn transaction led by Authentic Brands Group, together with co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Alberini, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.

Under the deal, shareholders will receive $16.75 per share in cash, representing a 26% premium to the stock’s closing price on Tuesday. Authentic Brands will acquire a majority stake in Guess’s intellectual property, while the operating company will remain under the control of Guess management.

Authentic Brands, led by CEO Jamie Salter, has built a portfolio of more than 50 fashion, celebrity, and media brands through acquisitions, including Dockers, Champion, and Reebok. The firm is considering a public listing in 2026.

Authentic Brands is currently backed by an array of leading private equity investors, including General Atlantic, BlackRock, CVC Capital Partners, HPS Investment Partners, Leonard Green & Partners, and Brookfield.

Founded in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, Guess had earlier evaluated a bid from WHP Global before Authentic Brands made a rival offer. The company has recently restructured operations to boost efficiency and integrate Rag & Bone, acquired in 2024, alongside store closures and a pivot towards direct-to-consumer channels.

In June, Guess reported quarterly revenue that beat analyst expectations, despite shrinking comparable store sales in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Alberini highlighted growth opportunities from the Rag & Bone brand and Guess’s denim line.

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