JCPenney and SPARC Group Combine to Form Catalyst Brands

JCPenney and SPARC Group have merged in an all-equity joint venture to create Catalyst Brands, consolidating six retail banners including JCPenney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica. The new Catalyst Brands — backed by shareholders Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group and Shein — launches from JCPenney’s Plano, Texas headquarters with broad omnichannel reach, approximately $9 billion of revenue, 1,800 stores and roughly 60,000 employees.