Signet Outsources Remainder of Non-Prime Credit

RAPAPORT... Signet Jewelers has signed an agreement with a minoritypurchaser for its non-prime credit, the retailer said Wednesday. Global alternative-investmentfirm Castlelake will buy 30% of the credit accounts, Signet reported Wednesday. The deal follows a separate agreement with CarVal in March to acquire approximately 70%. The contract with Castlelake will shift Signet to a fullyoutsourced credit structure. Signet has entered into a five-year partnership withCastlelake, requiring the investment firm to buy 30% of any non-prime creditthe retailer accumulates during that time period. Signet expects to close the agreement in the second quarterof the current fiscal year, which ends January 2019. The retailer will receive $401 million to $435 millionfrom the sale. The outsourcing will "significantly reduce consumer risk fromthe balance sheet, reduce working capital and allow the company to returnsignificant capital to shareholders," Signet said. "It also allows the companyto increase strategic and operational focus on its core jewelry retailbusinesses." The outsourcing of both prime and non-prime credit will have a negative impact of $118 million to $133 million on its operating income for fiscal 2019, Signet said. Of that amount, it anticipates $60 million of the impact to occur in the firstquarter. Image: BravoKiloVideo/Shutterstock