Investing.com — Story3 Capital Partners (WA:) has proposed taking Figs Inc (NYSE:) private, a spokesperson for the private equity firm told Reuters on Tuesday, highlighting concerns around the company’s growth and margins.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the news.
The firm has made a cash offer of $6 per share for Figs, valuing the business at over $1 billion, according to the spokesperson.
Figs, which currently has a market capitalization of approximately $870 million based on LSEG data, saw its shares jump more than 9% in premarket trading Wednesday.
The company, known for its medical apparel and personal protective equipment, went public in 2021 with an initial valuation of $4.57 billion. At the time, it attracted strong investor interest following a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, as the pandemic waned, Figs experienced a slowdown in both sales and profitability as demand returned to normal levels. The company is now in the early stages of a recovery, navigating operational challenges in a tough macroeconomic climate.
“As a private company backed by Story3’s experienced partners and long-term investment, Figs will be empowered to accelerate its strategy, focus on innovation, and swiftly execute initiatives that build on its category leadership,” the Story3 spokesperson told Reuters.
The spokesperson also noted that Story3 is supported by its consumer opportunities fund and has secured debt financing from Fortress Investment Group to back the proposal.
In its proposal, Story3 expressed willingness to engage with major shareholders about rolling part or all of their current equity into the proposed transaction.
“We applaud the board and management for the enormous success in building the industry’s category-defining healthcare apparel and lifestyle brand,” the firm stated.
