Designer apparel company Guess Inc. said Wednesday it will be taken private in a transaction valuing the business at about $1.4 billion, including debt. The buyer group is led by brand manager Authentic Brands Group and includes Guess co-founders Maurice and Paul Marciano as well as Chief Executive Officer Carlos Alberini. Public shareholders will receive $16.75 in cash for each Guess share, a 26 percent premium to Tuesday’s closing price. The stock jumped roughly 25 percent in early New York trading, approaching the offer price. Authentic Brands will acquire 51 percent of Guess’s intellectual-property rights, while the Marciano brothers and Alberini will roll over their equity to retain the remaining stake. Guess said removing quarterly market pressures will give it flexibility to invest in product development and navigate a difficult apparel market. The agreement follows a $13-a-share proposal from WHP Global in March and adds to a wave of consolidation in the retail sector after recent deals involving Skechers and Dockers. Guess expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of its 2026 fiscal year, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.