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Elliott Takes $1 Billion Stake in Lululemon as Reports Link Jane Nielsen to CEO Role

The move raises pressure on the board to finalize succession before Calvin McDonald departs at the end of January.

Overview

  • Lululemon shares rose roughly 6% to 8% in premarket trading to about $221 to $224 after reports of Elliott’s investment and CEO push.
  • Sources say Elliott has worked for months with former Ralph Lauren CFO and COO Jane Nielsen, who has indicated she would discuss the job with the board.
  • Calvin McDonald is slated to step down on January 31, 2025, following the company’s announcement of a leadership transition last week.
  • The stock is down about 45% to 46% this year as sales growth slows and competition intensifies from brands such as Alo Yoga and Vuori.
  • Elliott, Lululemon, founder Chip Wilson and Nielsen did not comment to Reuters, and the stake would place Elliott among the retailer’s largest shareholders at a market value near $25 billion.