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 Brands,

Sparc Group, the parent company of Forever 21 and Aéropostale, announced it merged with JCPenney to create a new company called Catalyst Brands.

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

JCPenney and SPARC Group today announced that they have combined to form a new organization, Catalyst Brands, creating an unmatched portfolio of six iconic retail banners that celebrate the essence of American style.

JCPenney is combining with the owner of fellow shopping mall staples Aéropostale and Lucky Brand after a merger of two brand portfolios in an all-equity transaction Wednesday.

The longtime local retailer and Sparc Group announced they have combined to form Catalyst Brands and will cover several brands: Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica with JCPenney and its exclusive private brands, including Stafford, Arizona and Liz Claiborne.

JCPenney has merged with the owner of several retail brands to create a brand new company. On Jan. 8, JCPenney merged with SPARC Group, the owner of the following companies: Through the merger, JCPenney and SPARC Group created Catalyst Brands.

JCPenney filed for bankruptcy protection in 2020 and was acquired by Simon Property and Brookfield Asset Management for $800 million.

JCPenney and retail store operator Sparc are merging to form a U.S. retailing behemoth called Catalyst Brands. Why it matters: The new company's owners comprise a consortium of so