rue21

PE-Owned1 Documented Impact

Apax's $1.1B acquisition led to three bankruptcies. From 1,200 stores at peak to liquidation.

Founded: 1970|Acquired by Apax Partners (2013)$1.1 billion
10
locations tracked

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

1970

rue21 founded

2013

Acquired by Apax Partners for $1.1 billion

2024HighClosure / Bankruptcy

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%

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Tracked Locations

CA (2)

Los Angeles

8859 Main St

Los Angeles, CA 90001

555-264-4266

Los Angeles

420 Main St

Los Angeles, CA 90001

555-654-8283

CO (1)

Denver

2914 Main St

Denver, CO 80201

555-884-9298

FL (3)

Orlando

6075 Main St

Orlando, FL 32801

555-362-6420

Orlando

7083 Main St

Orlando, FL 32801

555-288-9080

Tampa

1531 Main St

Tampa, FL 33601

555-479-8356

IN (1)

Indianapolis

5432 Main St

Indianapolis, IN 46201

555-746-8902

MA (1)

Boston

2197 Main St

Boston, MA 02101

555-466-8814

TX (2)

San Antonio

5089 Main St

San Antonio, TX 78201

555-783-3399

San Antonio

627 Main St

San Antonio, TX 78201

555-947-4002