Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Hot Topic, Inc.

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif. and EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Hot Topic, Inc. and its portfolio of brands: Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and Her Universe from Sycamore Partners.

This transaction allows Spencer Spirit Holdings to expand its portfolio of lifestyle and specialty retail brands, bringing together six complementary concepts under a single platform and strengthening its position as a leading mall-based specialty retailer.

As previously announced, Hot Topic, BoxLunch and Her Universe will continue to operate independently from the Spencer Spirit business, maintaining their existing headquarters in California. Steve Vranes will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer of Hot Topic, Inc., overseeing the three brands' day-to-day operations and strategic growth, and will report to Steven Silverstein, Chief Executive Officer of Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc.

Advisors
Solomon Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP served as legal advisor. Wells Fargo served as lead arranger for the debt financing. Jefferies LLC served as financial advisor to Hot Topic, Inc. and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor.

About Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc.
Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of Spencer's and Spirit - three lifestyle and specialty retail brands celebrated for creating immersive, culturally relevant shopping experiences.  From year-round destinations to beloved seasonal traditions, the company empowers self-expression and connects communities. Spencer Spirit Holdings is deeply committed to driving meaningful social impact through dedicated charitable giving, corporate volunteerism, and purpose-driven strategic partnerships. For more information, visit SpiritHalloween.com, SpiritChristmas.com and Spencers.com.

About Hot Topic, Inc.
Hot Topic, Inc. is the leading omni-channel merchandise destination for entertainment and music fans comprised of three unique brands: Hot Topic, BoxLunch and Her Universe. Known for its celebration of individuality, the portfolio of brands offer licensed apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more, that appeal to a diverse global audience. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the company operates a digital commerce platform as well as 900 Hot Topic and BoxLunch stores that serve as a source for community, discovery and inspiration. For more information, visit hottopic.com, boxlunch.com and heruniverse.com.

About Sycamore Partners
Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York founded in 2011. The firm specializes in consumer, distribution and retail-related investments and partners with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their business. With approximately $14 billion of assets under management, Sycamore Partners' investors include leading endowments, financial institutions, family offices, pension plans and sovereign wealth funds. For more information on Sycamore Partners, visit www.sycamorepartners.com.

Media Contacts:
Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc.
Lisa Barr
[email protected]

Hot Topic, Inc.
Dara Meas
[email protected] 

Sycamore Partners
Michael Freitag and Arielle Rothstein
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449
[email protected]

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spencer-spirit-holdings-inc-completes-acquisition-of-hot-topic-inc-302868189.html

SOURCE Sycamore Partners