JCPenney and Forever 21 parent merge to form Catalyst Brands

Jan 17, 2025
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Written by WR Communications
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JCPenney has merged with Sparc Group, the parent company of Forever 21, to create a new entity called Catalyst Brands. The merger combines iconic brands, including JCPenney’s exclusive lines (Stafford, Arizona, Liz Claiborne) and Sparc’s AéropostaleT, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica. Catalyst Brands launches with over $9 billion in revenue, 1,800 store locations, and 60,000 employees, with plans to leverage data-driven and AI technology to enhance customer experiences.

Catalyst’s leadership will be headed by Marc Rosen, former JCPenney CEO, who will oversee the integration of the portfolio. The company will be headquartered in Plano, Texas, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Shareholders in the joint venture include Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group, and Shein.

In a significant move, Catalyst Brands also announced the sale of U.S. operations of Reebok and is exploring strategic options for Forever 21. This merger follows JCPenney’s bankruptcy filing in 2020, and Forever 21’s 2020 acquisition by Authentic Brands Group, marking a new chapter for these retail giants.

    

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