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Shining a light on PE ownership.

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99

99 Cents Only Stores

retail
PE-OWNED

Extreme value retailer serving budget-conscious consumers.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Ares Management2012-01-01

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

“

Everything for 99 cents or less - incredible value for everyday items.

What PE Will Likely Do

Predictions

Reduction in the number of 99 cents or less items, with more products priced above $1

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: Ares Management's history of cost-cutting, debt-loading, and aggressive expansion tactics in previous PE acquisitions

Decrease in product quality and inventory selection as the company cuts costs

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The retail industry playbook, which indicates a high likelihood of debt-loading, dividend recapitalization, store closures, inventory reduction, and deferred maintenance

Closure of underperforming store locations, leading to reduced convenience for budget-conscious consumers

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The similar outcomes experienced by other retail companies acquired by PE firms, such as 99 Cents Only Stores, Guitar Center, and Neiman Marcus

Potential change in the company's business model, moving away from the original '$0.99 or less' value proposition

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The similar outcomes experienced by other retail companies acquired by PE firms, such as 99 Cents Only Stores, Guitar Center, and Neiman Marcus

Expected Timeline

Phases
0-6 monthsCompleted

“0 to 6 months months”

Announcements about 'transformation' and 'optimization' strategies, which may include reducing the number of items priced at 99 cents or less

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

“6 to 12 months months”

First round of store closures and staff reductions, leading to a noticeable decline in product selection and inventory levels

12-24 months

“12 to 24 months months”

Continued reduction in product quality and inventory as the company defers maintenance and cuts costs, with a noticeable decline in the overall shopping experience

24-48 months

“24 to 48 months months”

Potential bankruptcy rumors and more aggressive cost-cutting measures, including further store closures and potential changes to the company's core value proposition

48-60 months

“48 to 60 months months”

Possible liquidation, restructuring, or fire sale of the company's assets

Similar Cases

Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition

Operating

Toys R Us

KKR·2005

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Bankruptcy

Sports Authority

Leonard Green & Partners·2006

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Operating

Payless ShoeSource

Golden Gate Capital·2012

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Operating

Joann

Leonard Green & Partners·2011

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Operating

RadioShack

Standard General·2015

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What You Can Do

Take Action

Actions

  • Be prepared for a potential decline in product quality and selection at 99 Cents Only Stores locations

  • Monitor the company's announcements and be aware of any changes to the '$0.99 or less' value proposition

  • Consider alternative budget-friendly retailers if the 99 Cents Only Stores experience deteriorates

  • Stay informed about the company's financial situation and be ready to adapt your shopping habits as needed

Alternatives

CostcoSAFE

Employee-owned warehouse retailer

TargetSAFE

Publicly traded retailer with strong values

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"99 Cents Only Stores is now PE-owned. Here's what that means for you."