Authentic Brands and Sycamore Partners eye separate bids for bankrupt Ascena Group

Authentic Brands, along with Simon Property Group and Brookfield, are considering making a bid for Ascena Group, the parent company of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and other retailers. Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm that has invested in Aeropostale, Hot Topic, Staples and others, is also reportedly eyeing an acquisition of Ascena.