Ascena Looks To Sell Off Lane Bryant, Catherines Brands: Can The Retailer Survive?

Ascena Retail Group (ASNA), the parent company of Dressbarn, Ann Taylor, Loft, Maurices, Lane Bryant, Justice, and Catherines, is reportedly looking to sell off the at least two of the brands as it continues to struggle, reporting continued earnings losses that total about $300 million for the last three quarters.

According to sources for Bloomberg, the retailer’s creditors have hired advisory firm Greenhill & Co. to help with the company’s financial situation, drop in sales, and approaching debt maturities. As the advisors for the company explore Ascena’s options, one potential solution has been to sell off plus-sized brands Lane Bryant and Catherines if not other brands that fall under its umbrella.

As of recently, Ascena’s creditors have lost confidence in the company as it held discussions to divest the two brands assets, sources familiar with the situation told the news outlet.

The company has not confirmed or denied the discussions as a spokesperson for the company told Bloomberg in an email, “It is Ascena Retail Group’s policy not to comment on speculation or rumor. The company regularly engages with its lenders.”

Ascena current holds about 3,500 store locations under all its brands. Lane Bryant has 731 stores, and Catherines has a reported 332. Ascena recently announced it was closing all of its Dressbarn stores after it was unable to procure a buyer for the brand.

The company owes creditors about $1.35 billion, and was downgraded by S&P Global to CCC+ credit rating from the previous B- it held, the news outlet said. The shift in its credit rating was due to a potential unsustainable debt load, according to S&P (via Bloomberg).

Shares of Ascena stock were down 12.04 percetn as of 3:50 p.m. ET on Friday.