Folks store at Kohl’s division retailer amid the coronavirus outbreak on September 5, 2020 in San Francisco, California.
Liu Guanguan | China Information Service | Getty Photos
Kohl’s on Thursday despatched a letter to shareholders wherein it pushed again in opposition to activist investor Macellum’s marketing campaign to add new directors to the retailer’s board.
Within the letter, which comes forward of Kohl’s annual assembly with shareholders in Might, the retailer referred to as Macellum’s nominees an “unqualified slate.”
“Macellum is selling an ever-changing narrative, misinformed claims, and value-destructive proposals, all of which reveal a reckless and short-term method that isn’t within the curiosity of driving long-term, sustainable worth,” Kohl’s stated.
A consultant for Macellum did not instantly reply to CNBC’s request for remark.
Macellum, led by veteran retail-industry investor Jonathan Duskin, amplified its stress on Kohl’s in February, following months-long criticisms of the big-box retailer for not performing in addition to it may in 2021. It nominated 10 administrators, together with Duskin himself. That got here after the activist called for Kohl’s to consider selling itself.
Kohl’s has since began working with bankers and different monetary advisors to contemplate bids for its enterprise. It has already rejected one supply from Starboard-backed Acacia Analysis, at $64 per share, calling it too low.
Earlier this month, it confirmed receipt of multiple preliminary buyout offers. A kind of bidders is Saks Fifth Avenue proprietor HBC, a supply accustomed to the transaction beforehand informed CNBC. HBC declined to remark.
In its letter, Kohl’s stated that Macellum’s push for a “hasty sale at any value” reveals a short-term method that is not in the perfect curiosity of the corporate’s shareholders.
Relating to its conversations with potential bidders, Kohl’s added that it’s concerned in additional engagement with choose bidders, “together with helping with additional due diligence that will create alternatives to refine and enhance proposals.”
Shares of Kohl’s have been little modified in premarket buying and selling.
Discover the total letter despatched to Kohl’s shareholders here.
This story is creating. Please verify again for updates.
