The Federal Trade Commission has terminated its review of the acquisition by The Men’s Wearhouse Inc. (Houston) of the After Hours Formalwear business from Federated Department Stores Inc. (Cincinnati). The two retailers now anticipate the transaction closing on or before April 9, 2007.
After Hours is the largest men's formalwear chain in the United States, operating 507 stores in 35 states under After Hours Formalwear and Mr. Tux banners. It was acquired by Federated as part of the acquisition of The May Department Stores Co. (St. Louis) in 2005. After Hours also has an exclusive relationship with the 169-store David's Bridal chain. That exclusivity will remain effective after the acquisition and will be extended to Men's Wearhouse and Moores store brands.
The After Hours sale will complete the divestiture of Federated's bridal group division.