Wet Seal

PE-Owned1 Documented Impact

Filed two bankruptcies. Versa Capital acquired 173 stores for $17.5M after first bankruptcy but failed to revive. All stores closed.

Founded: 1962|Acquired by Versa Capital Management (2015)$17.5 million
4
locations tracked

Ownership Information

Wet Seal is owned by Versa Capital 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

1962

Wet Seal founded

2015

Acquired by Versa Capital Management for $17.5 million

2017HighClosure / Bankruptcy

Wet Seal filed two bankruptcies, closing all 575 stores

Filed first bankruptcy in 2015 closing 338 stores. Versa Capital acquired remaining 173 stores for $17.5M but could not revive the brand. Second bankruptcy in 2017 closed all remaining locations.

Before vs. After PE Acquisition

Store count

Reported 2017

Before PE

575 stores (peak)

After PE

0

100%

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Tracked Locations

AZ (1)

Phoenix

6560 Main St

Phoenix, AZ 85001

555-104-7011

IL (1)

Chicago

5375 Main St

Chicago, IL 60601

555-641-3310

PA (1)

Pittsburgh

9362 Main St

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

555-193-4937

TX (1)

Austin

3607 Main St

Austin, TX 73301

555-607-5117