Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – August 21, 2025) – Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) (“Aurania” or the “Company”) announces that further to its news releases dated August 1, 2025 and August 5, 2025, the Company has closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement financing (the “Offering“). Total gross proceeds of C$1,906,355.76 were raised through the issuance of 15,886,298 units of the Company (the “Units“) at a price of C$0.12 per Unit.
Each Unit is composed of one common share of the Company (a “Common Share“) and one Common Share purchase warrant (a “Warrant“). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share (a “Warrant Share“) at an exercise price of C$0.25 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the date of issuance.
In connection with the Offering, the Company paid aggregate finder’s fees consisting of (i) C$5118.40 in cash (the “Cash Consideration“) and (ii) 42,653 compensation warrants (the “Compensation Warrants”) to eligible finders. Each Compensation Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Unit at a price of C$0.12 per Unit for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Each Unit issuable upon exercise of a Compensation Warrant is comprised of one Common Share and one Warrant. Each such Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Warrant Share at a price of C$0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance of the Compensation Warrant.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering primarily for exploration programs, general working capital purposes, and a portion of the proceeds will be allocated for the first payment of 2025 mineral concession fees in Ecuador.
The closing of the Offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All securities issued and issuable pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month plus one day hold period commencing on the date of issuance.
Related Party Transactions Dr. Keith Barron, CEO and a director of the Company, acquired 5,741,666 Units under the Offering (the “Acquisition“). The Acquisition constitutes a “related party transaction” as defined under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). The Company is relying on exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and formal valuation requirements applicable to the related party transactions under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the Acquisition does not exceed 25 percent of the Company’s market capitalization.
The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.
About Aurania Aurania is a mineral exploration company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper in South America. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities – Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador.
The Biden-era CHIPS Act was designed to revive America’s semiconductor sector, but under the Trump administration, that funding is taking a new form: direct equity ownership. On Friday, President Trump announced that the U.S. government will acquire a 10% stake in Intel, a move aimed at stabilizing the struggling chipmaker and cementing its role in America’s technology future.
The announcement sparked immediate investor reaction, sending Intel shares up more than 7% in midday trading. The move represents one of the most aggressive interventions in U.S. industrial policy in recent years, underscoring Washington’s belief that semiconductors are not only an economic priority but also a national security imperative.
Intel has endured a turbulent few years. Once the undisputed leader in computer processors, the company has seen its dominance erode as rivals Advanced Micro Devices and Qualcomm gained ground in the PC market. Meanwhile, Nvidia has surged ahead in artificial intelligence chips, leaving Intel far behind in one of the fastest-growing and most strategically critical corners of the tech world.
Financially, the company has struggled to contain mounting losses. Its manufacturing division continues to bleed cash, while its market capitalization of roughly $111 billion is less than half of what it was in 2021. Under current CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel has been forced to make difficult cuts, laying off 15% of its workforce and shelving ambitious international expansion plans, including new facilities in Europe.
Still, Intel holds unique strategic importance. It remains the only U.S.-based company capable of producing advanced semiconductors at scale, a capability that has become increasingly vital as the global chip supply chain faces geopolitical risks. With tensions between the U.S. and China intensifying, reshoring semiconductor manufacturing has become a bipartisan priority in Washington.
Trump’s announcement also comes just days after Japan’s SoftBank Group revealed a $2 billion investment in Intel, signaling international confidence that the company may yet succeed in its turnaround. Even so, the road ahead remains challenging. Intel’s $20 billion Ohio chip complex—once heralded as the centerpiece of America’s semiconductor revival—has been delayed again, reflecting the company’s struggle to balance ambition with financial discipline.
At the same time, Intel is trying to reinvent itself as a contract chip manufacturer, or foundry, capable of producing semiconductors for other firms. Microsoft and Amazon have already signed agreements to use Intel’s newest 18A chip technology, but Intel itself remains its largest foundry customer, raising questions about whether it can truly scale the business to rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
The U.S. government’s decision to become a shareholder in Intel adds a new layer of complexity. Supporters argue it provides Intel with the financial stability and political backing it needs to remain competitive in a cutthroat industry. Critics, however, caution that government ownership could distort market dynamics and discourage private-sector innovation.
For now, markets appear optimistic. Intel’s rally suggests investors see Washington’s stake as a sign of long-term commitment to keeping the company afloat. With global demand for chips set to surge alongside artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and cloud computing, Intel’s future may hinge on whether government backing can help it reclaim its leadership position in one of the world’s most consequential industries.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Fiscal Q4 beat. SelectQuote posted Q4 revenue of $345.1 million and adj. EBITDA of $2.7 million, beating expectations. Agent productivity improved with AI integration and workflow streamlining. The company navigated Medicare enrollment headwinds by reallocating resources efficiently, demonstrating continued operating discipline across its core platform.
SelectRx paying off. Healthcare Services revenue rose 49% year-over-year to $210.6 million with membership hitting 108,000, up from 82,000 the year prior. Notably segment adj. EBITDA margins of 5.5% are expected to improve throughout fiscal 2026 based on efficiency gains from the Kansas facility and customer maturity.
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Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Accelerated warrant exercise. Nicola Mining Inc. (TSX.V: NIM, OTCQB: HUSIF, FSE: HLIA) reported the accelerated exercise of 2,019,477 share purchase warrants at C$0.40 each, generating C$807,791 in gross proceeds. On July 21, Nicola Mining announced that it was electing to accelerate the expiry of all the outstanding common share purchase warrants originally issued under a financing that closed in March 2025.
Merritt Mill is ramping up production. With 200 tonnes per day of capacity, Nicola’s Merritt Mill is transitioning to full commercial production and cash flow generation. Nicola expects to utilize 100% of the mill’s capacity by the end of the third quarter. In early July, the Merritt Mill began processing ore received from Talisker Resources’ Bralorne project. In addition to processing ore for Talisker, ore is expected to be received during the third quarter from Blue Lagoon’s Dome Mountain gold mine, and from the Dominion Creek Gold Project, of which Nicola owns a 75% economic interest. Cash milling margins of 15% to 18% are expected at full capacity.
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Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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Oversubscribed private placement. Aurania raised gross proceeds of C$1,906,355.76 with the issuance of 15,886,298 units at C$0.12 per unit. Each unit is composed of one common share and one common share purchase warrant that entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of C$0.25 for 24 months following the date of issuance. Dr. Keith Barron, CEO and director, acquired 5,741,666 units during the offering.
Use of proceeds. Aurania intends to use the net proceeds primarily for exploration programs and general working capital purposes. In our view, the oversubscribed private placement significantly enhances the company’s financial flexibility.
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Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
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ISAP RFP. In a somewhat surprising development, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a request for proposals for the fifth iteration of its Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), with a plan to award a potential $2 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Consensus expectations were that an RFP would be released more towards the end of 2025.
Details. The contract will have a maximum performance period of two years, divided into two one-year ordering periods, a significant change from the prior 5-year performance periods. Responses are due by September 1st, a much shorter period than the 6 weeks from the 2019 contract. The contract is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025.
Best Value. Bids will be measured on the Best Value Trade-off principle, with the three evaluation factors being, in terms of importance, (i) prior experience, (ii) technical scenarios, and (iii) price. Prior experience and technical scenarios will be significantly more important than price.
Implication. The $2 billion max award over a two-year period suggests ICE is expecting a significant increase in the number of ISAP participants. We would note that in 2024 GEO, the long-time holder of the ISAP contract, generated approximately $330 million of revenue in its Electronic Monitoring and Supervision Services segment, at a time when the average population was roughly 185,000.
Thoughts. The short response period, 2-year period of performance, and Best Value Trade-off principle would all appear to favor the incumbent contract holder, in this case, GEO, in our opinion. We are somewhat surprised ICE is not seeking multiple awardees, although the relatively short nature of this award may reflect a stop gap to enable ICE to figure out any complexities of having multiple awardees.
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The Trump administration is weighing whether to divert at least $2 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act toward U.S. critical minerals projects, according to people familiar with the deliberations. The move would mark a significant redirection of funds originally earmarked for semiconductor research and factory construction, underscoring the White House’s push to reduce reliance on China for strategic resources.
The CHIPS Act, signed into law in 2022 under President Joe Biden, was designed to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research through more than $50 billion in incentives. Since taking office in January, President Trump has repeatedly criticized the law as an overly generous “corporate giveaway” and has sought to reshape its provisions. Redirecting funds toward mining and mineral processing would be one of his most consequential adjustments yet.
Supporters of the potential shift argue that the proposal is consistent with the CHIPS Act’s core mission: ensuring secure and stable supply chains for chipmaking. Semiconductor fabrication requires a steady flow of critical materials such as gallium, germanium, and rare earth elements, areas where China dominates global production and processing.
“The administration is creatively trying to find ways to fund the critical minerals sector,” one source said, noting that any changes remain under discussion.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a former Wall Street executive tapped by Trump earlier this year, would gain expanded authority over funding decisions. His office already manages CHIPS Act disbursements but would now oversee a broader portfolio of projects spanning mining, processing, and recycling. The move follows internal tensions after the Pentagon’s recent investment in rare earths producer MP Materials raised questions about Washington’s broader minerals strategy.
For U.S. mining and processing firms, the potential reallocation could provide a much-needed financial lifeline. Companies such as Albemarle, the world’s largest lithium producer, have warned that stalled U.S. refinery projects will be difficult to revive without direct government support. Similar challenges face smaller recycling and processing ventures, many of which struggle to compete with China’s state-backed operations.
It remains unclear whether the administration would deploy the $2 billion as grants, loans, or equity stakes. Lutnick has reportedly pushed to “get the money out the door” quickly, signaling urgency in expanding domestic mineral capacity. Additional funding reallocations may follow if the strategy is adopted.
The Biden administration previously considered using CHIPS Act dollars for critical minerals but dismissed the idea as uneconomical and environmentally complex. Critics of Trump’s approach may raise similar concerns, pointing to the permitting hurdles and potential environmental impacts of new mining operations. Others warn that shifting money away from semiconductor projects could weaken efforts to bring advanced chip manufacturing back to U.S. soil.
Still, Trump has moved aggressively to boost resource production. He has signed executive orders promoting deep-sea mining and met with major industry leaders, including Rio Tinto and BHP executives, to highlight his commitment. The administration’s broader strategy is also being coordinated with the Department of Energy, which last week proposed $1 billion in critical minerals spending tied to infrastructure legislation.
By elevating Lutnick’s role, the White House seeks to consolidate decision-making and avoid the fragmented approach seen earlier this summer. Administration officials say this shift will create clearer guidelines for government support across the minerals sector, though questions remain about how conflicts of interest will be managed.
The deliberations highlight the administration’s view that secure mineral supply chains are as vital as semiconductor fabs themselves. Whether Congress and industry stakeholders embrace the reallocation will determine how far the plan advances — and how quickly Washington can build resilience in two sectors that underpin the nation’s technological and economic future.
Markets are experiencing a rare moment in financial history. Nearly every major benchmark or asset class is sitting at record levels — from the Dow Jones and Nasdaq to gold, Bitcoin, housing values, rents, IPOs, and merger activity. Even the U.S. national debt has climbed to historic highs. The only notable exception is the Russell 2000 small-cap index, which has lagged behind its larger-cap peers.
This convergence of highs across so many areas raises critical questions: Is this sustainable, and where should investors look next?
At the heart of the rally is anticipation. Inflation has eased enough for Wall Street to believe the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in the coming months. Markets tend to price in expectations before policy changes occur, which explains why equities, real estate, and digital assets have surged despite borrowing costs still being elevated.
Corporate strength is also contributing. Tech giants continue to deliver outsized earnings, fueling growth in the Nasdaq, while strong balance sheets across industries are powering mergers and acquisitions at a record pace. Investors aren’t just chasing momentum; they’re betting on resilient fundamentals.
Interestingly, the surge is not limited to risk assets. Gold and Bitcoin, often viewed as hedges against uncertainty, have also reached record highs. That signals investors are not fully comfortable with the backdrop of ballooning U.S. debt, currency volatility, and geopolitical tensions.
In short, markets are climbing on optimism — but they’re also hedging.
The biggest challenge is valuation. Equities trading at record levels are vulnerable if earnings slow or if rate cuts fail to materialize. Housing markets, while supported by supply shortages, remain stretched on affordability. IPOs and M&A often peak late in a cycle, suggesting companies may be capitalizing on favorable conditions before they shift.
The Federal Reserve is the wild card. If policymakers cut rates in September as many expect, small-cap stocks — represented by the Russell 2000 — could see sharp gains. These companies are more sensitive to borrowing costs and have lagged during the tightening cycle. Conversely, if the Fed holds rates steady or signals fewer cuts, markets could face a correction.
Where Investors Should Look
Given the uncertainty, balance is essential. Investors might consider:
Small Caps (Russell 2000): The one major index not at record highs, offering upside potential if rates decline.
Defensive Dividend Stocks: Companies with consistent cash flow in healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities provide resilience.
Gold and Bitcoin: Effective hedges amid debt concerns and potential dollar weakness.
Global Diversification: International markets, many of which trade at lower valuations, offer opportunity.
Cash and Treasuries: With attractive short-term yields, keeping dry powder for potential volatility makes sense.
Markets are in uncharted territory, with nearly everything at record highs. Optimism about rate cuts and earnings strength is driving the surge, but stretched valuations and policy uncertainty suggest caution. Investors who balance growth exposure with hedges and defensive positions may be best positioned for what comes next.
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Veritone (NASDAQ: VERI), a leader in human-centered enterprise AI solutions, today announced a new partnership with Newsmax, one of America’s leading news networks. This collaboration will bring Veritone’s advanced Digital Media Hub (DMH) technology and licensing expertise to Newsmax, enabling it to modernize its newsroom production workflows and unlock the value of its 20-year content archive.
Veritone’s DMH application, powered by its aiWARE™ platform, will enable Newsmax to fully search and utilize its vast library of content – a resource that is increasingly valuable in today’s high-demand media landscape. With Newsmax broadcasts running 24/7 and a continually expanding library of content, the newsroom’s ability to make this material searchable and globally accessible is vital for responding to the evolving needs of both Newsmax viewers and business partners.
“This partnership marks a pivotal chapter for Newsmax’s operational and commercial strategy,” said Sean King, Chief Revenue Officer and General Manager of Veritone Commercial. “By leveraging the capabilities of DMH and our licensing solutions, Newsmax can turn its archive into a dynamic asset, fueling audience engagement and revenue growth.”
Newsmax’s expansive archive offers unparalleled opportunities for monetization. Leveraging the expertise of Veritone’s licensing team and AI-powered solutions, Newsmax now has the tools and support to transform its content into new revenue streams, ensuring that its content is accessible to audiences of all kinds, enabling a broader and more impactful reach.
This collaboration underscores Veritone’s commitment to empowering media organizations with cutting-edge AI solutions that streamline operations and maximize content potential, which is needed more now than ever as the media landscape continues to undergo rapid digital transformation.
About Veritone Veritone (NASDAQ: VERI) builds human-centered enterprise AI solutions. Serving customers in the media, entertainment, public sector and talent acquisition industries, Veritone’s software and services empower individuals at the world’s largest and most recognizable brands to run more efficiently, accelerate decision making and increase profitability. Veritone’s leading enterprise AI platform, aiWARE™, orchestrates an ever-growing ecosystem of machine learning models, transforming data sources into actionable intelligence. By blending human expertise with AI technology, Veritone advances human potential to help organizations solve problems and achieve more than ever before, enhancing lives everywhere. To learn more, visit Veritone.com.
Recognition Highlights Bitcoin Depot’s Impact and Commitment to Delivering Accessible, Secure, and Convenient Bitcoin Access Nationwide
ATLANTA, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Depot (“Bitcoin Depot” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTM), a U.S.-based Bitcoin ATM (“BTM”) operator and leading fintech company, today announced that it has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Companies 2025 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
The annual list celebrates companies that excel in employee satisfaction, customer experience, and long-term business growth. Newsweek’s evaluation process included employee interviews, customer surveys, publicly available performance data, and more than 120 key performance indicators.
“Being recognized among America’s Greatest Companies is a testament to our team’s unwavering focus on delivering value to our customers while fostering a workplace where our employees can thrive,” said Brandon Mintz, CEO and founder of Bitcoin Depot. “Our mission has always been to make crypto accessible to everyone, and we are proud to be recognized for both our business achievements and our commitment to our people.”
Bitcoin Depot operates more than 9,000 BTMs across North America and Australia, enabling customers to seamlessly convert cash into Bitcoin for payments, transfers, remittances, and investments. The recognition comes during a landmark year of growth for the Company, which recently reported strong Q2 2025 results, announced multiple strategic partnerships and acquisitions, added Bitcoin to its treasury, and expanded its leadership team.
“A great workplace is one that strives to make all its employees feel respected and appreciated,” said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. “But ensuring that employees are comfortable and valued is something only some companies excel at.”
This honor highlights how Bitcoin Depot’s cash-to-crypto approach is reshaping access to digital assets and strengthening its position as an industry leader.
About Bitcoin Depot Bitcoin Depot Inc. (Nasdaq: BTM) was founded in 2016 with the mission to connect those who prefer to use cash to the broader, digital financial system. Bitcoin Depot provides its users with simple, efficient and intuitive means of converting cash into Bitcoin, which users can deploy in the payments, spending and investing space. Users can convert cash to bitcoin at Bitcoin Depot kiosks in 47 states and at thousands of name-brand retail locations in 31 states through its BDCheckout product. The Company has the largest market share in North America with over 9,000 kiosk locations as of June 2025. Learn more at www.bitcoindepot.com.
U.S. home sales showed signs of renewed momentum in July, offering a glimmer of relief for buyers and sellers navigating one of the tightest housing markets in years. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, sales of previously owned homes increased 2% from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.01 million units. That figure also marked a 0.8% gain compared with July 2024, defying expectations of a modest decline.
The pickup in activity reflects contracts that were signed earlier in the summer, when mortgage rates began to edge down from their spring highs. The average 30-year fixed mortgage briefly exceeded 7% in May but had retreated to around 6.67% by the end of June. That shift helped unlock demand from buyers who had been sidelined by affordability challenges.
At the same time, supply conditions continued to improve. The number of homes available for sale at the end of July climbed to 1.55 million, up nearly 16% from a year ago. That level represents a 4.6-month supply at the current sales pace, the highest since May 2020 but still short of the six-month threshold considered a balanced market. For prospective buyers, the increase in inventory has translated into more choice and slightly less upward pressure on prices.
Even so, home values remain stubbornly high. The median price of an existing home sold in July reached $422,400, a record for the month and 0.2% higher than a year earlier. That marked the 25th consecutive month of annual price gains, underscoring how persistent demand and limited long-term supply continue to shape the market. Still, with wage growth now outpacing home price appreciation in some regions, economists suggest the market could be approaching an inflection point where affordability begins to improve.
Regional and price-segment dynamics reveal additional shifts. Sales activity has been strongest at the higher end of the market, with transactions on homes priced above $1 million jumping more than 7% from a year ago. In contrast, sales of properties priced below $250,000 remained flat or declined, squeezed by limited availability and still-elevated borrowing costs. In the South, where condominium prices have fallen over the past year, demand for that segment showed particular resilience.
Market behavior also reflects growing participation from investors and cash buyers. Investors accounted for 20% of transactions in July, up sharply from 13% a year earlier, likely taking advantage of the increased supply. Meanwhile, 31% of sales were completed with all cash, compared with 27% last July. That unusually high share suggests that wealth from equities and housing gains is playing a greater role in the market.
Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical property stayed on the market for 28 days in July, compared with 24 days a year ago. First-time buyers accounted for just 28% of sales, slipping from both June and the same month last year, reflecting the ongoing affordability strain at the entry level of the market.
Overall, July’s data points to a housing sector that is slowly recalibrating. Rising inventory and moderating mortgage rates are offering incremental relief, yet prices remain elevated, and demand is concentrated in higher price tiers. Whether the market has reached a true turning point may depend on the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates and how quickly supply can return to more balanced levels.
Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Initiating coverage with an Outperform rating and $23 price target. Newsmax (NYSE: NMAX) is a conservative media company with growing reach across cable and digital platforms. Its national cable channel has evolved into the fourth most-watched cable news network in the U.S, with a loyal core audience and full distribution across major MVPDs and streaming platforms. We believe the company is positioned to unlock a multi-year monetization opportunity across both advertising and affiliate fee revenue streams.
Loyal audience and diversified revenue model. Newsmax serves a highly engaged, politically right-of-center audience that has historically been underserved by mainstream outlets. This loyal viewership has enabled the company to scale both advertising and distribution revenues while maintaining low customer acquisition costs. Since 2019, revenue has grown more than 300%, fueled by steady digital expansion and greater platform reach.
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Guess?, Inc. (NYSE: GES) will exit public markets after agreeing to a $1.4 billion buyout led by its co-founders and Authentic Brands Group, in a move that highlights the growing shift of heritage fashion labels into private ownership backed by global licensing platforms.
The transaction values Guess? at $16.75 per share, representing a premium of about 73% to the company’s unaffected stock price as of mid-March. The offer ranks among the year’s largest fashion buyouts, underscoring the resilience of brand-driven retail even in a challenging consumer environment.
Under the terms of the agreement, Authentic Brands will acquire a majority stake in Guess?’s intellectual property portfolio, while the Marciano family and CEO Carlos Alberini will retain the remaining interest. The operating company, which runs Guess?’s stores, e-commerce, and wholesale operations, will remain entirely under existing management. This structure reflects Authentic’s typical playbook: leveraging its brand management expertise and global licensing network, while entrusting day-to-day operations to experienced retail leaders.
For Guess?, going private provides greater strategic flexibility. Freed from the pressures of quarterly earnings, the company will be positioned to pursue long-term brand building, international expansion, and potential new product categories. The involvement of Authentic Brands, which manages more than 50 global names across fashion, sports, and lifestyle, signals a push to extend Guess?’s reach through licensing deals, partnerships, and new distribution channels.
The premium offered to shareholders is intended to deliver immediate value while also recognizing the enduring equity of Guess?’s brand. After more than four decades in business, Guess? has built one of the most recognizable names in denim and lifestyle apparel. Despite industry headwinds, the company has improved its financial discipline in recent years, strengthened its e-commerce channels, and invested in expanding its global footprint.
For Authentic Brands, the deal further consolidates its position as a dominant force in fashion and brand licensing. Adding Guess? to its portfolio not only diversifies its holdings but also provides another globally recognized fashion label that can be scaled across markets and categories.
The buyout reflects broader trends in retail, where public markets have often undervalued legacy fashion brands relative to their long-term licensing potential. By combining private ownership with Authentic’s infrastructure, Guess? is expected to transition from being primarily a retail operator to becoming a broader lifestyle platform with stronger global licensing opportunities.
The transaction is expected to close in Guess?’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and a shareholder vote. Once complete, Guess? shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, marking the company’s shift into a new era of private ownership and long-term brand development.
