US private equity group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice LLC (CD&R) has entered into a definitive agreement that will make it the new owner of David’s Bridal Inc, the US retailer specialising in wedding gowns and related accessories.
Leonard Green & Partners LP, which bought David’s Bridal in 2006, will retain a minority stake in the business. CD&R said that the deal values the target company at about USD1.05bn (EUR842m) and is expected to close during the fourth quarter. Paul Pressler, operating partner at CD&R, will become chairman of David’s Bridal once the purchase is finalised.
David’s Bridal has been in business for more than six decades and currently sells its wares through 300-plus US stores, five outlets in Canada and an online store. In addition to designer bridal gowns, the company also offers special occasion dresses and accessories.
CD&R partner Richard J. Schnall said that David’s Bridal had the advantage of being a unique and strong business operating in a sizeable and stable industry. CD&R looks forward to helping the company solidify its leadership and make the most of its scale by expanding into new segments, channels and geographies, Schnall added.
David’s Bridal president and chief executive Robert D. Huth said that the company was excited to have the CD&R team on board. Their operational expertise will be most welcome as David’s Bridal accelerates its growth strategies, Huth stated.
CD&R, which received legal advice from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, has secured financing commitments from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays plc (LON:BARC), Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS). David’s Bridal had Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Barclays as financial advisers, while Latham & Watkins LLP provided it with legal counsel.
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