06:25 AM EDT, 03/20/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Private equity firm Sycamore Partners is exploring an offer for Gildan Activewear Inc. ( GIL ), the Canadian clothing manufacturer that owns the American Apparel brand, people familiar with the matter said, Bloomberg reported late Tuesday afternoon.

The New York-based buyout firm has discussed financing options with potential lenders, according to one of the people, who requested anonymity to discuss confidential information.

A representative for Sycamore declined to comment. The firm focuses on retail and consumer investments, and has done deals in Canada before, buying the Canadian retail business of Lowe's Cos. for about $400 million in a transaction announced in 2022.

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