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Macy's rejects $5.8 billion takeover bid as investors eye hidden value

Macy's (M) - Get Free Report shares moved higher in early Monday trading after the iconic retailer rejected a $5.8 billion takeover bid that its proposed buyers now plan to take directly to shareholders. Macy's, like many of its traditional retail rivals, has struggled to adjust to shifting consumer spending habits and found itself overburdened by high levels of inventory and a debt-laden balance sheet in the wake of the pandemic.Related: Retail sales leap, testing Fed rate-cut bets, as consumers end 2023 with confidence A sharp focus on refinancing under Chief Executive Jeff Gennette, however, as well as a tighter control of inventories and fewer product markdowns and lower freight costs, helped the group post stronger-than-expected third-quarter profit while boosting its profit margins. That discipline, as well as the value of its estimated $8.5 billion real estate portfolio, has attracted the interest of several private equity suitors, including current investors Arkhouse Management and Brigade Capital Management. Activist investors have targeted Macy's' real estate portfolio in the past as well, with Starboard Value's Jeff Smith in 2017 making the case for splitting off the group's retail operations from its real estate assets.Arkhouse-Brigade proposal for Macy's Arkhouse and Brigade, which were first reported to have interest in buying Macy's late last year, had offered to buy Macy's for $21 a share cash, as of this weekend, but that bid that was rejected as undervaluing the New York-based retailer. Joe Kohen/WireImage/Getty The Macy’s board and management "have a proven track record of evaluating a broad range of options to enhance shareholder value," Gennette said in a statement. "Following careful consideration and efforts to gather additional information from Arkhouse and Brigade, the board determined that the proposal is not actionable and that it fails to provide compelling value to Macy’s,” he added. “We continue to be open to opportunities that are in the best interests of the company and all of our shareholders.” JP Morgan analysts have pegged the value of Macy's real estate portfolio at around $8.5 billion, or $31 a share, with its Herald Square headquarters alone valued at around $3 billion.How Macy's might fend off Arkhouse-Brigade Others have suggested Macy's could fend off the Arkhouse/Brigade proposal by selling a minority interest in either its retail or real estate divisions, which would enable the retailer to pay down debt while maintaining its regular dividend payments. More Retail:Sam's Club change fixes a Costco customer pain point Essential retailer closing dozens more stores in bankruptcy Target, Walgreens have a new weapon against retail theft Arkhouse has said it's prepared to consider a "meaningful increase" to its $5.8 billion offer, provided it's "granted access to the necessary due diligence." "We have conviction in the long-term success of Macy’s but believe that its potential will only be realized as a private company," Arkhouse said in a statement. "We believe Macy’s investors support a privatization given the stock’s largest single-day gain in more than two years following media reports of our interest in acquiring the company." "We are highly motivated to consummate an acquisition of Macy’s and are prepared to pursue all necessary steps, including direct engagement with stockholders, to achieve this goal," the statement added. Macy's shares were marked 2.4% higher in premarket trading to indicate an opening bell price of $18.05 each. The stock has risen around 14% since the Arkhouse/Brigade deal was first reported in early December.Action Alerts PLUS offers expert portfolio guidance to help you make informed investing decisions. Sign up now.
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TheStreet

Macy's rejects $5.8 billion takeover bid as investors eye hidden value

Macy's wants more for its iconic retail business than $5.8 billion. Here's why.

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