SRZ Represents Charming Shoppes in Sale to Ascena

SRZ advised Charming Shoppes Inc., the parent company of three nationwide women’s apparel retailers — Lane Bryant, Catherines Plus Sizes and Fashion Bug — on its $890 million cash acquisition by Ascena Retail Group Inc. The deal between the two NASDAQ-listed companies was announced May 2 and closed on June 14. SRZ is co-counsel with Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP on this transaction. Mergers & acquisitions partner Marc Weingarten led the SRZ team, which included finance partner Ronald B. Risdon. Litigation partner Michael E. Swartz and associate Robert E. Griffin have acted as counsel to the Board of Charming in connection with shareholder litigation related to the transaction.