NATICK, Mass. — Stock in BJ’s Wholesale Club closed at a 52-week high of $44.91 per share Tuesday — its highest price level in more than eight years — as speculation about a potential deal with a private equity firm appeared to strengthen.
Leonard Green & Partners earlier this month said it had acquired a 9.5% stake in the retailer and intended to discuss potential financing deals, including a “going-private” transaction with the retailer. On Monday, private equity group SAC Capital Advisors reported a 4.5% stake to federal regulators; the filing indicated that SAC had acquired the 5% stake that triggered a disclosure but had sold some stock since the filing.
