Blum Capital

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands said Thursday that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in connection with Collective’s impending $2 billion acquisition by Wolverine World Wide, Blum Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital. As announced on May 1, investment firms Blum Capital and Golden Gate will jointly acquire the operations of Payless ShoeSource and Collective Licensing International. Wolverine will acquire Collective Brands' Performance + Lifestyle Group, which includes Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds.