Global footwear giant Skechers is set to be taken private in a $9 billion acquisition by investment firm 3G Capital. The agreement, valued at $63 per share in cash, represents a 30% premium over the company’s 15-day average trading price and received unanimous approval from Skechers’ board of directors.
The announcement sent Skechers shares soaring nearly 25% on Monday, closing at $61.56. This high-profile buyout comes as U.S.-based consumer goods companies with heavy reliance on overseas manufacturing face increasing pressure from shifting trade policies. Skechers, which sources much of its product from Asia and draws about two-thirds of its revenue from international markets, is particularly exposed to recent tariff hikes imposed by the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump’s move to slap steep tariffs—some reportedly nearing 160%—on Chinese imports has complicated supply chains and cost structures for companies like Skechers. Around 15% of the brand’s revenue stems from China, amplifying its vulnerability to geopolitical tensions.
While the official deal announcement did not reference the trade dispute, company leaders have in recent weeks outlined internal efforts to cushion the blow. Strategies reportedly include diversifying sourcing away from China and reevaluating pricing models to absorb rising costs.
Despite these headwinds, Skechers posted a record $9 billion in revenue last year, with net earnings of $640 million. The brand now operates more than 5,300 retail outlets worldwide, including 1,800 that are company-owned.
Under the terms of the acquisition, Skechers will maintain its corporate headquarters in Manhattan Beach, California, and current Chairman and CEO Robert Greenberg will remain at the helm as the company transitions into private ownership.