Another May Bride

The May Department Stores Co. (St. Louis) has acquired the 10-store Priscilla of Boston bridal-wear chain in a cash transaction of undisclosed size.

The upscale retailer operates locations in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and the New York metropolitan area.

It is the third such acquisition for the department store retailer in the last two years. In 2000, the May Co. purchased the 120-store David's Bridal chain. In December 2001, the retailer acquired the 242-store After Hours Formalwear company. However, May said it intends to operate Priscilla of Boston separately from its other two properties, which now function as the David's Bridal division. Priscilla of Boston will be a new subsidiary reporting to Bob Huth, who oversees May's specialty bridal divisions.

“Priscilla of Boston adds an essential upscale component to our strategy of building the largest, most complete bridal business in the United States,” said May chairman and ceo Gene Kahn. “We see this as a significant opportunity to roll out the unique Priscilla of Boston format and its tradition of fashion and service across the country.”