The footwear industry witnessed a seismic shift with the recent 3G Capital Skechers acquisition, valued at over $9 billion. This bold move is stirring conversations about market strategies, economic headwinds, and the future of global shoe manufacturing.
Skechers, the world's third-largest shoe maker, has agreed to be acquired by investment firm 3G Capital. According to AP News, the deal comes amid significant uncertainty over U.S. tariffs on imported goods, especially shoes. Skechers' board unanimously approved the offer of $63 per share—a 30% premium over the company's recent average stock price.
This acquisition will take Skechers private and retain its leadership team, including CEO Robert Greenberg. The brand’s headquarters will remain in Manhattan Beach, California. With about 5,300 retail stores globally, the company generated a record $9 billion in revenue for 2024.
There are several forces behind the 3G Capital Skechers acquisition. One of the biggest factors is the ongoing trade war and the resulting tariffs that threaten U.S.-based companies who rely on overseas production. Skechers manufactures most of its shoes outside the U.S., with around 40% sourced from China. Escalating tariffs—some exceeding 145%—have significantly raised costs for the brand.
In a CNN Business report, Skechers expressed concerns about the financial impact of these tariffs and their volatile regulatory environment. Over 99% of shoes sold in the U.S. are imported, making the industry particularly sensitive to global trade policies. Skechers' decision to withdraw its financial guidance earlier this year signaled the uncertainty caused by these shifting tariffs.
The 3G Capital Skechers acquisition may set a trend for other consumer brands seeking to escape public-market pressures. By going private, Skechers gains more control and flexibility to adapt its supply chain and pricing strategies. Analysts believe the move will allow Skechers to invest, restructure, and potentially weather trade storms without the scrutiny of quarterly earnings reports.
The acquisition underscores larger patterns—companies are searching for ways to respond quickly in an unpredictable economic climate. Trade wars, shifting sourcing strategies, and supply-chain optimizations are key challenges discussed by footwear industry leaders.
Skechers and 3G Capital will now focus on minimizing costs and optimizing global sourcing. The company has stated it’s exploring options to reduce tariffs through better vendor relationships, sourcing shifts, and price adjustments for consumers. The acquisition is expected to close later this year, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both Skechers and its millions of customers around the world.
For more insights into how tariffs impact large brands and what’s next for Skechers, read the in-depth reporting on CNN Business and AP News.
Summary: The 3G Capital Skechers acquisition represents a strategic response to global economic tensions. As the footwear industry contends with continued volatility, this deal could inspire similar moves among other major brands. Stay connected for further developments as this acquisition unfolds.