Nordstrom Family, Partner to Take Retailer Private in $6B Deal
Members of the founding family have partnered with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to acquire Nordstrom.

Erik, Pete, and Jamie Nordstrom, alongside other members of the Nordstrom family, teamed up with Mexican retail company El Puerto de Liverpool to purchase the retailer in an all-cash transaction valued at $6.25 billion.
In September, the family and the retailer offered to buy the company for $3.8 billion in cash, or $23 per share.
The Seattle-based department store chain had attempted to go private in 2017, courting private equity firms, but turned down an $8.4 billion offer in 2018 due to the “low” price.
“Nordstrom is one of the worldwide leaders in department store retailing, and we're thrilled to be investing in a company that has meaningfully shaped the industry for nearly 125 years,” said Graciano F. Guichard G., executive chairman of the board of directors of Liverpool.
Shareholders will receive $24.25 per share, which is a premium of approximately 42 percent compared to its share price on March 18, as per Nordstrom’s press release. That’s the last day the stock was traded prior to news spreading that it may go private.
Its shares currently trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
The retailer’s $2.7 billion in debt will remain outstanding.
At the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom family will have a majority ownership stake in the company with 50.1 percent owned by the family and 49.9 percent owned by Liverpool.
“We're grateful to the employees, customers and shareholders who have shaped Nordstrom into the company it is today,” said Pete Nordstrom, chief brand officer of Nordstrom.
“Since our founding in 1901, we have been committed to providing our customers with the best possible service and to improving it every day. We look forward to building on that commitment in this next phase of the company's evolution.”
The retailer’s board of directors, minus Erik and Pete Nordstrom who had recused themselves, unanimously approved the transaction following the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent and disinterested directors.
“Following a rigorous and independent evaluation and consultation with outside financial and legal advisors, the special committee unanimously concluded that this transaction offers greater value for all public shareholders at a significant premium to the unaffected share price,” said Eric Sprunk, chairman of the special committee.
The board will also authorize a special dividend of up to 25 cents per share when the transaction is complete.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory and other conditions.
It requires the approval of holders of two-thirds of the company's common stock and the holders of a majority of the shares of the company not owned by the Nordstrom Family or Liverpool or their respective affiliates and the company's directors and Section 16 officers.
The transaction will be financed through a combination of rollover equity by the Nordstrom Family and Liverpool, cash commitments by Liverpool, up to $450 million in borrowings under a new $1.2 billion bank financing agreement, and the company’s cash on hand.
“For over a century, Nordstrom has operated with a foundational principle of helping customers feel good and look their best,” said Erik Nordstrom, CEO of Nordstrom.
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for the business. On behalf of my family, we look forward to working with our teams to ensure Nordstrom thrives long into the future.”
Nordstrom ranked No. 12 on National Jeweler’s 2024 “$100 Millon Supersellers” list, with an estimated $533 million in jewelry and watch sales in 2023.
Fellow retailer Macy’s had also been in talks to go private, but ultimately ended the buyout talks this past summer, while HBC, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, entered into an agreement in July to acquire Neiman Marcus Group, which owns Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
The Latest

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.


“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

The campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

JSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.

The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.

The “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.

Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.

“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”

Organizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.

The Alan Hodgkinson Medal recognizes gemologists who are consistently generous with their time and expertise.

The Swiss watchmaker is changing up its executive leadership team as part of a restructuring.

The “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.

The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.

Rob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.

The Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.

With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.























