Down but not out: Forever 21 looks to rebound from bankruptcy, sold for $81 million

LOS ANGELES — Fashion retailer Forever 21 will get a second chance at immortality, nearly six months after filing for bankruptcy to counter substantial international losses.

Three companies – Authentic Brands, Simon Property and Brookfield Property – announced plans Wednesday to jointly acquire the Los Angeles-based mall mainstay, NPR and the BBC reported.

Although plans remain preliminary, the BBC reported initial indications are that the newly formed conglomerate will keep most of the chain's 448 U.S. stores operating.

"Forever 21 is a powerful retail brand with incredible consumer reach and a wealth of untapped potential," Jamie Salter, chief executive officer of Authentic Brands Group, said in a statement.

Major brands already occupying ABG's stable include Barneys New York, Aeropostale and Nine West, NPR reported.

Forever 21 executives originally planned to reorganize the company and close as many as 178 U.S. stores, but the acquisition – valued at $81.1 million – not only spares most of those locations from being shuttered but also creates expansion opportunities in South America, Western and Eastern Europe, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India, NPR reported.

Forever 21 currently operates nearly 600 stores in 57 countries, the BBC reported.

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