Sycamore abandons pursuit of apparel retailer Chico’s: WSJ

Sycamore was trying to raise debt financing for the deal estimated to reach $3 billion, Reuters reported on Feb. 10.

Sycamore had an in-principle agreement to acquire Chico’s, subject to securing financing. Some banks were reluctant to meet the private equity firm’s demands for a lot of debt to increase returns on the deal, two people familiar with the matter had told Reuters.

Chico’s, based in Fort Myers, Florida, operates 1,547 stores in the United States and Canada, selling private-label women’s casual clothing and related accessories.

Sycamore and Chico’s were not available for comment outside normal working hours.

(Reporting by Rohit T. K. in Bengaluru; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)