Roots agrees to go-private transaction with Marquee Brands
On August 20, 2026, Roots Corporation (“Roots”) and Marquee Brands LLC (“Marquee Brands”) announced they have entered into an agreement whereby Marquee Brands will acquire Roots, through its strategic operating partner.
As part of the transaction, Marquee Brands partnered with JM&A Design and Development Inc. (“JM&A”), led by renowned Canadian retail experts Joseph Mimran and Frank Rocchetti. JM&A will serve as core operating partner of Roots, which will continue to be operated in Canada. Marquee Brands will focus on global brand stewardship and expansion, as well as new category development.
Under the terms of the transaction, JM&A will acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Roots for C$4.10 per share in cash, representing a 36% premium to the closing price as of March 2, 2026, the last trading day prior to the announcement of Roots' strategic review process.
The transaction is to be completed by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act and is subject to:
- the approval of at least two-thirds of votes cast by shareholders at a special meeting of shareholders expected to be held in October 2026;
- a simple majority of votes cast by shareholders excluding votes attached to common shares held by persons described in items (a) through (d) of section 8.1(2) of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions;
- clearance under the Competition Act (Canada); and
- approval by the Ontario Court of Justice (Commercial List).
Closing of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to court approval, Competition Act (Canada) clearance, and other customary closing conditions.
Upon completion, the common shares of Roots will be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange and that Roots will cease to be a reporting issuer in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.
Further information can be found on Business Wire’s website.
Established in 1973, Roots is a global lifestyle brand. Starting from a small cabin in northern Canada, it has become a global brand which operates over 100 locations in Canada, two stores in the United States, and an eCommerce platform.
Marquee Brands is the premier accelerator of timeless brands, unlocking value and building global influence. With a focus on driving growth and developing sustainable brand equity, it partners with best-in-class manufacturers, operators, retailers and distributors to scale brands across markets and channels.
JM&A is a Toronto-based brand development, design and operating company led by Canadian entrepreneur and designer Joe Mimran. Over more than four decades, Mimran has created, built and transformed some of Canada’s most recognized consumer brands, including Club Monaco, Joe Fresh, Alfred Sung, Pink Tartan, Gry Mattr and Maison Cabana.