Guess Inc. is set to go private after striking a $1.4 billion deal with Authentic Brands Group, the parent company of Reebok, Brooks Brothers, Nautica, Sperry, and Dockers.
The agreement will give Authentic Brands a 51% stake in Guess’s intellectual property, while co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano and current CEO Carlos Alberini will retain the remaining 49%.
The deal caused Guess shares to jump more than 25% in early trading, hitting $16.77, a strong rebound after a challenging financial year. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders will receive $16.75 per share in cash, marking a significant premium from its previous value.
Guess had previously been in talks with WHP Global earlier this year, which offered a $13-per-share deal, but the company ultimately decided against that route.
A special committee reviewed multiple options before unanimously deciding that Authentic Brands was the best partner to help move Guess forward.
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With this acquisition, Guess officially joins Authentic Brands’ growing portfolio of global fashion and lifestyle labels. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Guess’s fiscal year 2026, pending regulatory approval.
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