Tapestry, Capri End Merger Over Regulatory Issues

Tapestry, Inc. and Capri Holdings have mutually agreed to terminate their $8.5 billion merger plan, initially announced in August 2023, due to regulatory hurdles and antitrust concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). A federal judge sided with the FTC, citing that the merger would reduce competition and potentially increase prices in the 'accessible luxury' handbag market. Following this, Tapestry's stocks surged by 12.8%, while Capri's experienced a decline. Tapestry plans to focus on organic growth, announcing a $2 billion share repurchase program to be funded by cash and future debt issuance. Capri, meanwhile, will concentrate on enhancing brand desirability and strategic initiatives across its luxury brands like Versace and Michael Kors. Both companies see the termination as a strategic move to focus on their respective growth paths without further legal uncertainties.