Aeropostale may be thrown a lifeline

In the second day of auction bidding for the bankrupt teen clothing chain, a consortium of investment concerns made a surprising $243.3 million bid. The offer, made jointly by a group including Simon Property Group, General Growth Properties and Authentic Brands Group, is seen as being substantial enough to keep at least some of the chain’s 229 remaining stores in operation. Previously, liquidation of the chain’s assets seemed like the most likely path for the company.