rue21
PE-Owned1 Documented ImpactApax's $1.1B acquisition led to three bankruptcies. From 1,200 stores at peak to liquidation.
Ownership Information
rue21 is owned by Apax Partners. 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
rue21 founded
Acquired by Apax Partners for $1.1 billion
rue21 filed three bankruptcies after Apax Partners' $1.1B acquisition
Apax Partners' acquisition left rue21 overleveraged. Three bankruptcies: 2017, 2020, and 2024. Went from 1,200 stores at peak to full liquidation.
Before vs. After PE Acquisition
Store count
Reported 2024
Before PE
1,200 stores (peak)
After PE
0 (liquidating)
↓ 100%
Tracked Locations
CA (1)
Los Angeles
9502 Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90001
555-433-1521
FL (1)
Tampa
2391 Main St
Tampa, FL 33601
555-688-4056
GA (1)
Atlanta
2991 Main St
Atlanta, GA 30301
555-982-8953
NC (1)
Charlotte
6820 Main St
Charlotte, NC 28201
555-558-8198
TX (5)
Austin
6499 Main St
Austin, TX 73301
555-512-3081
Austin
6883 Main St
Austin, TX 73301
555-798-6397
Houston
2233 Main St
Houston, TX 77001
555-337-2458
Houston
8601 Main St
Houston, TX 77001
555-697-3587
San Antonio
7917 Main St
San Antonio, TX 78201
555-913-3437