Juicy Couture Founders Seek to Buy Back Company

The founders of Juicy Couture, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, who transformed velour tracksuits into a sexy must-have piece in the early 2000's are looking to take back their company.  The founders sold Juicy Couture to Fifth & Pacific Cos. (f/k/a Liz Claiborne) around the peak of the craze in 2003 for $226 million.  However, now with the label faltering and the parent company secretly shopping the label to buyers, it's clear that consumers are tired of "juicy" plasters on their behinds and change is needed.  

Fifth & Pacific Rumored to be Selling Juicy, Lucky Brand

Photo: Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand Ads

Rumor has it that Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand which are owned by Fifth & Pacific Cos Inc. (f/k/a Liz Claiborne Inc.) is on the market.  Juicy Couture which popularized velour track suits about ten years ago has since been in a decline from its peak.  Lucky Brand, known for their jeans and leather products with a bohemian feel, has also been in a slump.  

The company has been quietly shopping the labels to prospective buyers, including some located in Asia, to better determine the level of interest in Juicy.  Meanwhile, private equity firms Sycamore Partners and TSG Consumer Partners have expressed interest in Lucky Brand as both firms specialize in consumer and retail investments.  It's good news for Fifth & Pacific that this is likely turning out to be an active sales process.