A New Chapter for Roots: Marquee Brands and Joe Mimran Lead Go-Private Transaction

In a strategic move that signals a major pivot for one of Canada’s most iconic heritage brands, Roots Corp. has announced an agreement to go private. The transaction is being led by the powerhouse Marquee Brands, a global brand-building platform known for scaling world-class labels.

The Details of the Deal

Under the terms of the agreement, Roots Corp. will be taken private at a price of $4.10 per share. This transition follows a strategic review initiated in March, where the board explored various options to maximize value for its shareholders.

The transaction is a collaborative effort. Marquee Brands has partnered with JM&A Design and Development Inc., an operating company headed by retail visionary Joe Mimran—the founder of Joe Fresh—and industry veteran Frank Rocchetti.

Strategic Synergy: Why This Matters

This isn’t just a financial transaction; it’s a strategic realignment. By combining the global reach of Marquee Brands with the operational expertise of JM&A, Roots is positioning itself for an aggressive growth phase.

Key operational shifts include:

• Operational Leadership: JM&A will acquire all outstanding common shares of Roots.
• Supply Chain Control: JM&A will now oversee the design, manufacturing, and distribution of all apparel.
• Retail Management: Responsibility for e-commerce and physical retail stores across Canada and the U.S. will move under JM&A’s purview.

“This transaction brings together Marquee Brands’ global brand-building platform and JM&A’s operational leadership to position Roots for its next chapter of growth,” stated Roots CEO Meghan Roach.

Global Ambitions and Future Outlook

Heath Golden, CEO of Marquee Brands, believes that this new structure provides a solid foundation to expand the brand’s footprint. The goal is to extend Roots into new consumer segments and international markets while preserving the distinctive identity that has made the brand a Canadian staple.

For investors tracking TSX: ROOT, the go-private process is expected to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and a critical shareholder vote scheduled for October.

Summary of the Transition