M&A Deal Summary

Ames Watson Acquires Claire s

On September 19, 2025, distressed investor Ames Watson acquired retailer Claire s

Acquisition Highlights
  • This is Ames Watson’s 2nd transaction in the Retail sector.
  • This is Ames Watson’s 4th transaction in the United States.
  • This is Ames Watson’s 1st transaction in Illinois.

M&A Deal Summary

Date 2025-09-19
Target Claire s
Sector Retail
Buyer(s) Ames Watson
Deal Type Special Situations/Distressed

Target

Claire s

Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States
Claire's is an international specialty retailer offering value-priced costume jewelry and accessories to fashion-aware tweens, teens, and young adult females. Claire's was founded in 1974 and is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

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Buyer(S) 1

DESCRIPTION

Ames Watson Capital, LLC is a diversified operating company that purchases, transforms and partners with lower middle-market companies to create long term value. The Firm has a preference for troubled situations including corporate orphans, difficult situations, tough industries, and debt purchases, however the Firm will also consider growth companies with at least $3 million of revenue. Ames Watson Capital was formed in 2003 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 4 of 4
Sector: Retail M&A 2 of 2
Type: Special Situations/Distressed M&A Deals 1 of 1
State: Illinois M&A 1 of 1
Country: United States M&A 4 of 4
Year: 2025 M&A 1 of 1
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2024-10-01 Champion

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

Champion is an athleticwear that sells apparel through GearCo via global retail. The groups division also includes Gear for Sports, Knights Apparel, and Champion Teamwear. Champion is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

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