Report Says After Activist Pressure, Hudson’s Bay To Review Options Including Privatization

Individuals acquainted with the issue said, Hudson’s Bay Co, the proprietor of the Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord and Taylor retail chains, is trying to complete a review of its choices, including going private, after pressure from an activist investor.

The Canadian retailer’s biggest investor and executive chairman Richard Baker is searching for another procedure after unsuccessful endeavors this year to consolidate Hudson’s Bay with U.S. retail chain operators Macy’s Inc and Neiman Marcus.

Hudson’s Bay, which is as of now working with an investment bank to guard itself against activist hedge fund Land and Buildings, has been trying to contract another financial adviser to complete the review, the general population said for the current week.

Land and Buildings encouraged the company in June to consider going private and to monetize its real estate possessions.

Hudson’s Bay has more than $10 billion in real estate assets, with the leader Saks store on Fifth Avenue in New York alone values at $3.7 billion.

The company has a market capitalization of around $2.03 billion following the news Hudson’s Bay shares rose 14 percent to end at $11.45.