Funding & Business
Bankrupt Claire’s sells most of its North American business

Jewelry is displayed at a Claire’s store in Novato, California, on June 23, 2025.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Claire’s announced Wednesday it is selling most of its North American business to private equity firm Ames Watson, just weeks after the jewelry retailer declared bankruptcy.
The companies did not disclose any financial details of the deal.
Claire’s said the move comes as the tween retailer is examining every option to “maximize the value of its business.” It also said it will pause the liquidation process at most of its stores as part of the deal, which Claire’s said will “significantly benefit” the company.
Claire’s said the liquidation process will continue at some of its North American stores.
“As we continue through our restructuring proceedings, our team has worked tirelessly to explore every option for preserving the value of the Claire’s business and brand,” CEO Chris Cramer said in a statement. “We are glad to reach this definitive agreement to sell a portion of our North America operations to Ames Watson and maximize the value of our company for all our stakeholders.”
Ames Watson is a private holding company with more than $2 billion in revenue, focused on purchasing and transforming companies, according to its website. Its portfolio includes Lids, Champion Teamwear and South Moon Under.
“We are committed to investing in its future by preserving a significant retail footprint across North America, working closely with the Claire’s team to ensure a seamless transition and creating a renewed path to growth based on our deep experience working with consumer brands,” Ames Watson’s co-founder Lawrence Berger said in a statement.
The retailer filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this month, weighed down by nearly $500 million in debt and an increasingly competitive sales environment. The company is also expected to bear the brunt of tariff impacts on suppliers from countries such as China and Vietnam.
Claire’s last filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018, also due to a staggering debt load. At the time, the company underwent a strategic restructuring and raised new capital, which allowed it to eliminate nearly $2 billion in debt and keep stores running.
Funding & Business
Tax Worries Test European Banks’ Best Stock Rally Since 2009

European banking stocks’ biggest rally in 16 years is faltering as the region’s hottest sector confronts the prospect of higher taxes and a surge in sovereign risk.
Source link
Funding & Business
ECB Will Make Sure Euro-Area Inflation Stays at 2%, Lagarde Says

The European Central Bank has achieved price stability and will do whatever is necessary to keep euro-area inflation in check, President Christine Lagarde said.
The inflation objective is met with 2% and “we will continue to take necessary measures to ensure inflation is under control and prices are stable,” she told Radio Classique in an interview on Monday.
Funding & Business
Watch What’s Next for Prabowo After Indonesia Protests?
-
Tools & Platforms3 weeks ago
Building Trust in Military AI Starts with Opening the Black Box – War on the Rocks
-
Business3 days ago
The Guardian view on Trump and the Fed: independence is no substitute for accountability | Editorial
-
Ethics & Policy1 month ago
SDAIA Supports Saudi Arabia’s Leadership in Shaping Global AI Ethics, Policy, and Research – وكالة الأنباء السعودية
-
Events & Conferences3 months ago
Journey to 1000 models: Scaling Instagram’s recommendation system
-
Jobs & Careers2 months ago
Mumbai-based Perplexity Alternative Has 60k+ Users Without Funding
-
Funding & Business2 months ago
Kayak and Expedia race to build AI travel agents that turn social posts into itineraries
-
Education2 months ago
VEX Robotics launches AI-powered classroom robotics system
-
Podcasts & Talks2 months ago
Happy 4th of July! 🎆 Made with Veo 3 in Gemini
-
Mergers & Acquisitions2 months ago
Donald Trump suggests US government review subsidies to Elon Musk’s companies
-
Podcasts & Talks2 months ago
OpenAI 🤝 @teamganassi