Known as Catalyst Brands, the new company includes Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nautica and JCPenney. The joint venture was formed in an all-equity transaction between JCPenney and Sparc Group, with shareholders Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands and fast fashion company Shein.

JCPenney is merging with a company that owns several other retailers that have also struggled as malls have declined in popularity across the U.S.The 123-year-old department store chain and SPARC Group have combined to form Catalyst

Retailers are banding together for a massive operation based out of Texas that will see JCPenney merge with the parent company of Forever 21. Known as Catalyst Brands, the new company includes Aéropostale,

The joint venture brings together Sparc Group’s Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica with JCPenney.