Family Takes Nordstrom Private: Big Changes Ahead?

Nordstrom, a century-old department store, is about to be taken private by the Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group. This $6. 25 billion deal is a significant move in a tough retail landscape dominated by discount chains and online giants like Amazon. The family behind the brand believes that being private will give them more freedom to revive the company's sales, which have been stagnant for years. Shareholders will receive $24. 25 in cash for each share, a nice premium from the stock's value in March. The Nordstroms will also take on over $2 billion in debt. This is a tough time for traditional department stores, with rivals like Macy’s and Kohl’s also facing pressure to boost profits. Competition is fierce, with Walmart, Target, and fast-fashion brands all vying for customers.The offer announced Monday is higher than the previous $23-per-share bid made in September. Shareholders will also get a special dividend of up to 25 cents per share. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, after which the company's shares will no longer trade publicly. The board, excluding family members Erik and Pete Nordstrom, unanimously approved the deal. After the transaction, the Nordstrom family will hold a majority stake in the company. Erik and Pete are the fourth-generation leaders of the Seattle retailer, founded in 1901. Despite a 1% drop at the opening bell, Nordstrom's shares have risen 34% this year due to rumors of a family takeover. The company has opened 23 new stores this year, bringing the total to 381 Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores in the U. S.