David’s Bridal

Women’s apparel chain Talbots might have no choice but to accept a private equity buyout offer if one materializes later this month as expected. In December, Talbots rejected a $3 per share unsolicited buyout proposal from Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, because its executives felt the bid undervalued the company. Facing plummeting sales and a large debt load, however, Talbots needs a savior with deep pockets to revamp its image and help it hold its own against competitors including Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Coldwater Creek. On Jan. 20, several news outlets reported that Talbots started actively