{
  "id": 6732602,
  "title": "Barington builds Bath & Body Works stake, calls for strategic sale",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/barington-builds-bath-body-works-stake-calls-for-strategic-sale",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-11T08:29:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hedgeweek",
    "slug": "hedgeweek",
    "url": "https://www.hedgeweek.com/barington-builds-bath-body-works-stake-calls-for-strategic-sale/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Activist investor Barington Capital Group has acquired a stake in Bath & Body Works and is urging the US personal care retailer to consider a potential sale, possibly involving private equity, according to Bloomberg. CEO James Mitarotonda stated that the company is undervalued and that management changes have negatively impacted its performance. Mitarotonda believes that Bath & Body Works' strong brands, market position, and cash generation capabilities could make it an attractive target for potential buyers. The activist is also seeking board representation and intends to propose measures to boost revenue and support the share price, such as stock buybacks. As of June 30, Barington held around 780,000 shares, which equate to approximately 0.38% of the company's total shares. Bath & Body Works shares experienced a 2% increase in after-hours trading following the report; however, the stock has declined by about 13% since the start of the year. The company based in Columbus, Ohio, has been striving to improve its performance in a challenging consumer landscape. CEO Daniel Heaf, who assumed the role last year, has focused on product development and enhancing the retailer's digital presence. In August, Bath & Body Works reported a larger-than-anticipated sales decline for the current quarter, attributing it to reduced store traffic and broader challenges in mall visits. Heaf subsequently mentioned that turnaround initiatives were still in their early stages and had not yet sufficiently counterbalanced the company's difficulties. Mitarotonda has also pointed to repeated management changes over the past five years as a contributing factor to the company's struggles. Barington has previously targeted businesses associated with Bath & Body Works, including pushing for board changes at Victoria's Secret and challenging the company's poison-pill arrangements. Barington and Bath & Body Works have not yet commented on the latest report.",
  "summary": "Activist investor Barington Capital Group has built a stake in Bath & Body Works and is pressing the US personal care retailer to consider a sale, including a potential deal involving private equity, according to a report by Bloomberg citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bloomberg",
        "title": "Barington Takes New Stake in Bath & Body Works, Pushing for Sale",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/barington-takes-new-stake-in-bath-body-works-pushing-for-sale",
        "published": "2026-09-10T20:28:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Bath & Body Works gains in extended trading as Barington pushes for a sale",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/bath-body-works-gains-in-extended-trading-as-barington-pushes-for-a",
        "published": "2026-09-10T21:07:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}