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U.S. footwear giant Skechers is set to go private in a $9.4 billion all-cash buyout by investment firm 3G Capital, marking a bold move by the private equity group into the retail footwear sector. The deal values Skechers at $63 per share—a 28% premium over its last closing price. News of the acquisition sparked a 25% surge in premarket trading, with shares climbing to $61.90.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 and will be financed through a combination of equity provided by 3G Capital and debt arranged by JPMorgan Chase Bank. This acquisition comes at a turbulent time for Skechers, which recently pulled its annual earnings forecast amid mounting uncertainty linked to escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. The brand has faced rising production costs due to sharply increased tariffs—now at 145%—on Chinese imports, a major component of its supply chain.
For 3G Capital, controlled by Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann, the deal represents a strategic departure from its traditional stronghold in the food and beverage industry, where it has led high-profile takeovers including Kraft Heinz. The move to take Skechers private could provide the flexibility needed to navigate global supply chain volatility and reposition the brand in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
