Kate Spade Sans Juicy and Lucky Seen as Target: Real M&A

Kate Spade, the fashion label owned by Fifth & Pacific Cos., may become the next must-have accessory for acquirers in the retail industry.

Fifth & Pacific agreed in October to sell the intellectual property of Juicy Couture and has also drawn interest for Lucky Brand. After a sale of the units, Kate Spade would be the company’s primary brand and may lure takeover interest from buyout firms or other retailers, SunTrust Banks Inc. said. Coach Inc. would be a logical bidder for the maker of designer handbags, said Wedbush Inc.