The footwear industry has seen a seismic shift with the recent 3G Capital Skechers acquisition. This buyout, valued at $9.4 billion, promises to reshape not only Skechers, the world’s third-largest shoe company, but also the broader landscape of global footwear. Let’s break down what this deal means, why it happened, and how it could affect the market—and consumers—in the months ahead.
On May 5, 2025, Skechers confirmed it would be acquired by investment powerhouse 3G Capital. The offer came in at $63 per share, representing a generous 30% premium over the company’s recent trading value. According to CNN Business, this premium fueled a 25% surge in Skechers’ stock price immediately after the news broke. The move takes Skechers private, giving it room to adapt away from the volatility of public markets—particularly relevant during a time of global trade tension.
Several factors motivated the 3G Capital Skechers acquisition. Skechers faced significant headwinds due to international tariffs, especially those targeting Chinese imports. Analysts noted that about 40% of Skechers’ shoes sold in the U.S. are made in China. The resulting tariffs raised manufacturing costs and contributed to a 26% slide in Skechers’ stock earlier in the year. As CNBC reports, these vulnerabilities may have turned Skechers into an attractive buyout candidate for a firm like 3G Capital, renowned for navigating turbulent markets and restructuring global brands.
The ongoing trade war was a central backdrop for the 3G Capital Skechers acquisition. The Trump administration imposed 145% duties on Chinese imports, plus a 10% minimum tax on goods from other countries. Nearly all shoes sold in the United States are manufactured overseas, making Skechers especially vulnerable. According to analysts cited by CNN Business, uncertainty around tariffs led Skechers to withdraw its financial guidance. Industry leaders, including Skechers, Nike, and Under Armour, collectively urged the government to reconsider these tariffs, warning of dire impacts on jobs and consumer prices.
With the 3G Capital Skechers acquisition complete, industry experts are watching closely to see how 3G Capital will leverage the brand’s global reach—Skechers operates over 5,300 stores in the U.S. alone. Skechers CEO Robert Greenberg described the takeover as the company’s “next chapter in partnership with the global investment firm 3G Capital” (source). The acquisition could help Skechers invest in new supply chains, reduce risk from tariffs, and enhance operational efficiency away from the pressures of public shareholders.
The 3G Capital Skechers acquisition may signal a trend. As market fluctuations and trade policies create uncertainty, other major brands could follow Skechers’ example and retreat from public markets. Analysts believe economic turbulence could push more companies toward private equity deals, especially when share prices fall below historical valuations. For consumers, this could mean changes in pricing or availability of popular footwear brands, as companies adapt their business models behind closed doors.
The $9.4 billion 3G Capital Skechers acquisition is more than just a headline—it’s a case study in how global trade, tariffs, and private equity are shaping the future of consumer brands. As Skechers prepares for its next chapter, both investors and shoppers will be watching to see how this high-stakes move plays out.