The depositary for the tender offer advised that, as of the offer's expiration, 51,769,611 shares of common stock of the Company had been validly tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer, which, when added to the 6,999,316 shares of Company common stock owned by Sycamore Partners and its affiliates, represent approximately 83.6% of the outstanding shares of the Company. All such tendered shares have been accepted for payment in accordance with the terms of the tender offer.
Sycamore Partners intends to promptly move forward with a "short-form" merger under Delaware law after exercising its top-up option under the merger agreement, and Talbots will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of TLB Holdings LLC, an entity affiliated with Sycamore Partners.
The merger is expected to be completed today, August 3, 2012. As a result of the merger, any shares of Talbots common stock not previously tendered will be cancelled and (except for shares held by Talbots, TLB Merger Sub Inc., TLB Holdings LLC or shares for which appraisal rights are properly demanded pursuant to Delaware law) will be converted into the right to receive the same $2.75 per share in cash paid in the tender offer.
Following the merger, Talbots' common stock will cease to be traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Talbots, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of women's apparel, shoes and accessories. At the end of the second quarter 2012, the Company operated 516 Talbots stores in 46 states and Canada.
Sycamore Partners