▶ NORDSTROM

While the group owns 31.3 percent of Nordstrom’s shares, such a move would require billions in additional financing, most likely in the form of debt. The suspended effort was disclosed in a regulatory filing Monday.

In recent weeks reports have said the Nordstrom group had been in discussions with private equity firms that might have supplied some of the financing.

A special committee of Nordstrom

board members formed to consider any offer from the company said early Monday it’s been told the family group “intends to continue its efforts to explore the possibility of making a going private proposal after the conclusion of the holiday season.”

“In the meantime, the company and its employees will remain focused on running the business and delivering the best shopping experience for customers,” the committee said.

The crucial holiday season can make or break a retailer’s year. Negotiating a buyout during that period

could be more difficult, in part because Nordstrom family members — who include company co-presidents and brothers Erik, Peter and Blake — would have access to non-public information about how the retailer is doing in this decisive quarter.

Also, if the company’s turnaround efforts show progress during the holidays, it might be easier in 2018 to persuade lenders to risk billions on the buyout.

Shares of Nordstrom fell $2.25, or 5.28 percent, on Monday to close at $40.40.