Claire's
PE-Owned1 Documented ImpactTeen jewelry and accessories retailer that filed for bankruptcy in 2018 under Apollo-imposed debt. Restructured under Elliott Management
Ownership Information
Claire's is owned by Apollo Global Management. Private equity ownership often leads to cost-cutting, price increases, and reduced quality of service as firms prioritize returns for investors over customers and employees.Learn more about PE ownership impact →
Timeline
Claire's founded
Claire's filed bankruptcy under $2.5B in Apollo debt despite being operationally viable
Apollo loaded ~$2.5B in LBO debt onto a teen jewelry retailer that was otherwise profitable. Interest payments crushed the business. Filed Chapter 11 in March 2018. 17,000+ workers affected. Emerged diminished.
Claire's Files for Bankruptcy, Crushed by Apollo's Debt
Wall Street Journal →Before vs. After PE Acquisition
Debt vs revenue
Reported 2018
Before PE
Profitable retailer
After PE
$2.5B debt, bankruptcy
↓ 100%
Tracked Locations
IN (1)
Indianapolis
9718 Main St
Indianapolis, IN 46201
555-566-1334
MA (1)
Boston
6468 Main St
Boston, MA 02101
555-631-3095
NY (1)
New York
2897 Main St
New York, NY 10001
555-310-2989
OR (1)
Portland
1178 Main St
Portland, OR 97201
555-298-4765
TX (1)
Dallas
3572 Main St
Dallas, TX 75201
555-619-2722