Core Viewpoint - Skechers, the world's third-largest footwear company, announced its acquisition by Brazilian investment firm 3G Capital for $9.4 billion, marking the largest acquisition in the footwear industry to date. Following the deal, Skechers will go private and delist from the stock market, a move driven by the need to adapt to new tariff policies impacting its profitability [2][5][12]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Market Position - Skechers has seen its revenue nearly double over the past four years, growing from $4.6 billion to approximately $9 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 12.1% in 2024, surpassing Nike and Adidas [7][12]. - The company has maintained a gross margin of around 50%, which has been a core support for its stable profitability [7]. - The majority of Skechers' products are sourced from China and Vietnam, facing tariffs of 145% and 46% respectively, which significantly erodes its price advantage in the market [3][7]. Group 2: Strategic Decisions and Implications - The decision to go private is seen as a necessary step for Skechers to restructure and adapt to the pressures from new trade policies, which have created significant uncertainty in its business model [3][5][12]. - The acquisition by 3G Capital is expected to allow Skechers to optimize its cost structure and pricing strategies, potentially leading to a re-evaluation of its market position in the future [10][12]. - The deal is anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of 2024, with the founding Greenberg family potentially cashing out up to $1.1 billion [4][12]. Group 3: Industry Context and Future Outlook - The acquisition reflects broader challenges faced by the footwear industry, as many brands are grappling with the impact of tariffs and supply chain instability, prompting strategic shifts such as privatization [5][14]. - Other companies in the consumer sector, including toy and automotive giants, are also suspending annual profit forecasts due to similar uncertainties, indicating a potential trend of restructuring across industries reliant on Asian manufacturing [13][14]. - The involvement of 3G Capital, known for its successful restructuring of brands like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Burger King, suggests that Skechers may be positioned for a significant transformation under private ownership [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - Skechers, the third-largest athletic shoe retailer globally, announced a privatization decision in partnership with 3G Capital, which is expected to enhance its long-term strategic focus amid economic uncertainties [2][4][8]. Group 1: Company Overview - Skechers was founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg and is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, initially selling work boots before expanding into athletic footwear [4]. - The company is known for its comfortable shoe styles priced lower than competitors like Nike and Adidas, and it is one of the largest consumer goods companies led by its founder [4]. - Skechers' sales reached nearly $9 billion in 2024, marking a 12% year-over-year growth, with significant contributions from the Chinese market [5]. Group 2: Privatization Details - On May 5, Skechers announced an agreement with 3G Capital to acquire all outstanding shares at $63 per share, representing a 30% premium over the average stock price over the past 15 days [4]. - Following the acquisition, 3G Capital is expected to hold approximately 80% of the new company, and the current leadership will remain in place [4]. - The transaction has been approved by Skechers' board and is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2025 [4]. Group 3: Market Reaction and Financial Performance - Skechers' stock price surged by 25% following the privatization announcement, marking the highest intraday increase in over seven years [5]. - The company withdrew its full-year 2025 earnings forecast due to economic uncertainties stemming from global trade policies [6]. - In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Skechers achieved a record quarterly sales of $2.41 billion, with international sales accounting for 65% of total sales [5]. Group 4: Industry Context - The company faces challenges from global trade policy changes, which have been identified as significant risks to its business operations [7]. - Skechers, along with other brands, has expressed concerns over tariffs impacting the footwear industry, highlighting the potential for increased operational risks and consumer demand suppression [7]. - Analysts suggest that privatization may allow Skechers to navigate short-term pressures and focus on long-term strategic adjustments amid trade tensions and economic uncertainty [8].

Group 1 - 3G Capital is set to acquire Skechers for approximately $9.4 billion in cash, offering shareholders two options: $63 per share in cash (a nearly 30% premium over the last closing price) or $57 in cash plus equity in the privatized parent company [1] - The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year, with Skechers continuing to be led by its current executive team [1] - Post-transaction, Skechers will remain a private company and will continue to pursue its strategic initiatives, including product innovation, international market expansion, and investment in technology and infrastructure [1] Group 2 - Skechers, the third-largest athletic footwear company globally, reported sales of $8.97 billion for 2024, with Q1 2025 sales reaching $2.41 billion, a 7.1% increase year-over-year, although slightly below analyst expectations [2] - The company has withdrawn its financial guidance for the year due to macroeconomic uncertainties stemming from global trade policies [2] - The U.S. market accounts for nearly 40% of Skechers' global sales, while Vietnam provides a significant portion of its manufacturing capacity [2] - The privatization will not impact Skechers' operations in China, which is its largest overseas market, with nearly 3,500 retail stores established [2] - Skechers has committed to deepening its market presence in China, emphasizing its long-term strategy of "In China, For China" [2]

每经记者 孙宇婷 每经编辑 张海妮 凭借大众化定位和舒适性优势在全球鞋类市场"杀"出重围的斯凯奇（NYSE:SKX），于当地时间5月5日突然宣布私有化决定。作为全球第三大运动鞋零售 商、两度入选《财富》500强的行业巨头，这一举措引发市场震动。 《每日经济新闻》记者注意到，就在不久前，包括耐克、阿迪达斯、斯凯奇在内的76家鞋企联名致信白宫，请求豁免所谓的"对等关税"，因为新关税政策已 对平价鞋企构成"生存威胁"，若政策持续，部分企业恐面临倒闭风险。 新关税政策下，一双原本售价1100元的球鞋，如今消费者要支付近1700元，这让主打"高性价比"的斯凯奇陷入两难境地。机构普遍认为，斯凯奇选择此时私 有化，实为规避上市公司监管压力，以便在关税风波中掌握更大的经营自主权。 斯凯奇获3G资本溢价收购 2024年，斯凯奇销售额近90亿美元，同比增长12%。过去五年，公司营收几乎翻了一番。作为斯凯奇最大的海外市场，中国市场的高速发展起到了关键作 用。 在刚过去的2025财年第一季度，斯凯奇实现了创纪录的24.1亿美元季度销售额，其中，国际销售额占比达65%。按区域看，欧洲、中东和非洲地区销售额增 长了14%，美洲地区销售额 ...