Skechers going private to compete smarter?

As bold as this Skechers storefront is, expect the brand to become even more prominent — both visually and in consumers’ minds — as it goes private and sheds the constraints of being a publicly listed company. Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash
Skechers has announced its acquisition by private equity firm 3G Capital for $63 per share — a 30% premium over its recent stock price — marking its shift from public to private ownership by Q3 2025. Once the deal closes, Skechers will be delisted from the NYSE, and public shareholders will receive a cash payout. CEO Robert Greenberg and the current leadership will stay in place to continue executing the company’s strategy focused on comfort, affordability, and global growth.
But is going private Skechers’ way to compete smarter? With brands like On and Hoka challenging Nike and Adidas, Skechers, a mid-market player, faces pressure to stay agile. By going private, Skechers gains the flexibility to innovate, invest in technology, expand internationally, and grow its direct-to-consumer business without the short-term demands of Wall Street.
While little may change for consumers in the short term, Skechers could evolve over time with smarter marketing, new retail formats, and more personalized digital experiences. This newfound freedom could be the key to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving market.
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