(By Balachander) True Religion Apparel Inc. (NASDAQ:TRLG) is looking at strategic alternatives, including a possible a sale of itself to maximize shareholder value.
Vernon, California-based True Religion said it has formed a Special Committee to explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives after receiving indications of interest from third parties regarding a potential transaction with the fashion apparel company.
For the second quarter ended June 30, the company posted a 0.7 percent increase in net income on sales growth of 6.8 percent. True Religion earned $9.84 million or 39 cents a share on sales of $104.9 million. Its gross margin rate contracted 120 basis points to 64.3 percent.
As of June 30, 2012, the company operated 116 stores in the U.S. and 23 international stores.
For the year ended December 31, True Religion Apparel forecast earnings per share of $1.80 to $1.86 on sales in the range of $450 million to $455 million.
The Special Committee has engaged Guggenheim Securities, LLC as its financial advisor, and Greenberg Traurig, LLP as its legal counsel, to assist with the strategic review process.
Shares closed Tuesday's regular trading at $21.01. The stock has been trading in the 52-week range of $20.22 to $37.82.