BREAKING: Finish Line agrees to buy Hat World parent

  • Comments
  • Print
Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
This audio file is brought to you by
0:00
0:00
Loading audio file, please wait.
  • 0.25
  • 0.50
  • 0.75
  • 1.00
  • 1.25
  • 1.50
  • 1.75
  • 2.00

Indianapolis-based The Finish Line Inc. today said it has agreed to buy Hat World Inc. parent Genesco Inc. for $54.50 a share in cash, or about $1.5 billion. The price represents a 37.7-percent premium over Genesco’s share price. The deal is expected to close in the fall.

In May, Nashville, Tenn.-based Genesco, said its board authorized exploring the idea of a possible sale after rejecting an offer of $51 a share, or $1.3 billion, in cash from Foot Locker Inc. A month earlier, Genesco, the parent of Indianapolis-based Hat World, rejected an initial unsolicited offer of $46 a share, or $1.2 billion, from the New York shoe retailer.

Hat World was founded in Lafayette by former Foot Locker managers and quickly moved to Indianapolis. Genesco bought Hat World for $165 million in 2004.

This story will be updated.

Please enable JavaScript to view this content.

Story Continues Below

Editor's note: You can comment on IBJ stories by signing in to your IBJ account. If you have not registered, please sign up for a free account now. Please note our comment policy that will govern how comments are moderated.

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news. ONLY $1/week Subscribe Now

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In

Get the best of Indiana business news.

Limited-time introductory offer for new subscribers

ONLY $1/week

Cancel anytime

Subscribe Now

Already a paid subscriber? Log In