Known as Catalyst Brands, the new company includes Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nautica and JCPenney. The joint venture was formed in an all-equity transaction between JCPenney and Sparc Group, with shareholders Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands and fast fashion company Shein.

The joint venture brings together Sparc Group’s Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica with JCPenney and its private brands.

Sparc was formed in 2016 by Simon, Brookfield and Authentic Brands Group, and fast fashion retailer Shein was brought in as a minority owner in 2023.