National Post (National Edition)
Levi Strauss to return to markets
Looks to cash in on booming denim sales
Levi Strauss & Co. hopes to sell US$587 million worth of shares in an upcoming return to the stock market after three decades.
The offering would value the inventor of blue jeans at US$6.17 billion and give it a potful of cash to invest in broadening its product range.
The company, which has 385.5 million shares outstanding, said it expects to offer 36.7 million shares priced between US$14 and US$16 per share in an initial public offering.
“The valuation is fair and as expected. It is also a good time for Levi’s to go public due to the resurgence of ’ 80s blue jeans fashion,” said Eric Schiffer, chief executive officer of California-based private equity firm Patriarch Organization.
Schiffer, who picks up stakes in new ventures, said he was interested in grabbing a share of Levi’s when it goes public.
Demand for denim is surging, driven by new styles such as high-waist and pinstriped jeans.
Smaller rivals American Eagle Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch last week posted strong results, boosted by robust denim sales.
The 165-year-old Levi’s company, however, aims to evolve into a full-fledged global lifestyle leader for both men and women.
To attrac t young customers, Levi’s also plans to expand its tailor shop and print bar that allow consumers to customize and put their own designs on the company’s branded jeans and T-shirts.
Levi Strauss, which also sells footwear, belts and wallets, reported annual net revenue of US$5.6 billion in 2018.
The descendants of founder Levi Strauss, the Hass family, will retain 80 per cent of voting control in the company following the initial public offering, the filing showed.
Levi Strauss joins a list of high-profile companies filing to go public this year, such as ride-hailing companies Uber Technologies and Lyft, photo-posting app Pinterest and home-renting service provider Airbnb.
Compared to technology unicorns such as Uber. Lyft and Airbnb, investors see Levi Strauss as more of a short-term play due to frequently changing trends in the fashion industry, Schiffer said.
Levi Strauss intends to list as “LEVI” on the New York Stock Exchange, according to the filing http://bit. ly/2ha2gjm.
The company said it plans to use the proceeds for future deals that will enhance its portfolio of brands, but has no immediate plans of any acquisitions.
Goldman Sachs, JPMORgan & Chase, Bofa Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley are part of a 12-member underwriting team handling the IPO.