Roots agrees to go-private transaction with Marquee Brands

Toronto - Roots Corp. has reached an agreement to undergo a go-private transaction facilitated by Marquee Brands, with each share valued at $4.10. Marquee Brands, in collaboration with JM&A Design and Development Inc., led by Joe Mimran, a notable figure behind brands like Joe Fresh, and retail veteran Frank Rocchetti, aims to propel Roots towards its future growth phase.

The CEO of Roots, Meghan Roach, expressed her excitement over this partnership, stating that it combines Marquee Brands' global brand-building platform with JM&A's operational expertise, positioning Roots for its next chapter.

JM&A will take over all issued and outstanding common shares of Roots, overseeing design, manufacturing, and distribution of the brand's apparel. Moreover, it will manage Roots' retail and e-commerce operations in Canada and the U.S. Marquee Brands' CEO, Heath Golden, highlighted the potential for extensive global opportunities to expand Roots into new categories, markets, and consumer segments, while preserving the brand's unique identity.

Roots initiated a strategic review in March, exploring various possibilities, including a potential sale, to maximize shareholder value. The process aimed to find a suitable way to enhance shareholder value. Since the announcement, Roots has been relatively silent, only sharing updates upon approval of a transaction or legal requirements.

In June, during its first-quarter earnings report, Roach mentioned that the company would refrain from providing further updates until the board approved a transaction or deemed disclosure necessary by law or appropriate.

The go-private transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the fourth quarter, contingent upon court and regulatory approvals, as well as other closing conditions. A shareholder vote on the deal is expected in October. This news report by The Canadian Press was originally published on August 20, 2026.