PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
MajorsAug 09, 2016
Signet-Zale deal cleared to proceed
The proposed merger of the country’s two largest specialty jewelers hasn’t raised any anti-trust red flags with U.S. authorities so far.
Signet Jewelers Ltd. and Zale Corp. announced early Monday that the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, also known was the HSR Act waiting period, has expired without the U.S. Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission issuing a request for additional documents and data on the transaction.
Signed into law by former President Gerald Ford, the HSR act, which was named after three senators, was an amendment to earlier antitrust legislation and dictates that companies can’t proceed with mergers or acquisitions until they are reviewed by the FTC and Department of Justice for antitrust violations.
The expiration of the waiting period means that Signet and Zale are clear to move forward with the deal, which remains subject to approval by Zale’s shareholders.
A Zale spokeswoman said Monday that a date for the shareholder vote will be set following the filing of the final proxy statement on the transaction; the preliminary proxy was filed Friday.
While there have been a number of lawsuits filed allegedly attempting to block the deal, that’s not uncommon in mergers of this size. The majority of these types of lawsuits get resolved with little or no impact on the overall deal.
RELATED CONTENT: A litigious follow-up
Signet announced the acquisition of Zale in February. The deal is worth a total of $1.4 billion and, if completed, will create a chain of some 3,600 stores in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. It will bring such well-known brands as Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Zales and Piercing Pagoda under the same umbrella of ownership.
RELATED CONTENT: Signet acquiring Zale in $1.4B deal
According to details on the deal released in February, Zale CEO Theo Killion will remain with the company and run Zale’s brands as a standalone operation within Signet, reporting to CEO Mike Barnes.
The Signet-Zale merger is expected to close by the end of the year.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
SurveysOct 07, 2024
Hill & Co.’s New ‘Business of Jewelry Report’ Is OutThe first in what is slated to be a series of in-depth reports from the consulting company, it focuses on shortening supply chains.
