Gymboree

PE-Owned1 Documented Impact

Bain's $1.8B LBO loaded $1.2B in debt. Interest exceeded operating profit. Filed bankruptcy twice, liquidated all 1,280 stores. 11,000+ workers lost jobs.

Founded: 1976|Acquired by Bain Capital (2010)$1.8 billion
4
locations tracked

Ownership Information

Gymboree is owned by Bain Capital. 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

1976

Gymboree founded

2010

Acquired by Bain Capital for $1.8 billion

2019CriticalClosure / Bankruptcy

Gymboree bankrupted twice by Bain Capital's $1.8B LBO debt

Bain loaded $1.2B in debt. Annual interest went from $0.25M to $91M — exceeding operating profit by $38M. Filed bankruptcy 2017 and 2019. All 1,280 stores liquidated. 11,000+ workers lost jobs.

Gymboree Files for Bankruptcy Liquidation

CNN

Before vs. After PE Acquisition

Store count

Reported 2019

Before PE

1,280 stores

After PE

0 (liquidated)

100%

Tracked Locations

GA (1)

Atlanta

9873 Main St

Atlanta, GA 30301

555-282-9186

NC (1)

Charlotte

362 Main St

Charlotte, NC 28201

555-639-6576

TX (1)

Austin

1927 Main St

Austin, TX 73301

555-262-3097

WA (1)

Seattle

2568 Main St

Seattle, WA 98101

555-231-7356