History of Limited Brands

 

2007	Completes the sale of the majority interest in the apparel brands, Express and Limited Stores
2007	Celebrates 25th anniversary as a NYSE listed company
2007	Increases share repurchase program to $1 billion.
2007	Acquires La Senza Corporation, a leading Canadian and international intimate apparel retailer based in Canada.
2006	Collective value for share repurchase programs over last ten years reaches approximately $6.3 billion.
2006	Announces additional $100 million share repurchase in July.
2006	Completes 4.7 million share repurchase valued at over $113 million.
2005	Completes 17 million share repurchase program valued at $390 million.
2005	Increases annual dividend 25% to $0.60 per share.
2005	Limited Brands announces reorganization into three business groups: lingerie, beauty and personal care, and apparel.
2004	Limited Brands completes sale of its remaining interest in Galyan’s Trading Company.
2004	Limited Brands issues a $500 million special dividend ($1.23 per share).
2004	Limited Brands completes share repurchases that collectively exceed $3 billion.
2004	Increases annual dividend 20% to $0.48 per share.
2003	Limited Brands completes sale of its remaining interest in Alliance Data Systems.
2003	Limited Brands named the world’s most admired specialty retailer by FORTUNE magazine in its annual compilation of outstanding companies in the world.
2002	Limited Brands announces definitive agreement to sell Lerner New York/New York & Company. The terms include $78.5 million cash at closing, a $75 million subordinated note, and warrants for 15% of the common equity of the new company.
2002	The Limited, Inc. changes its name to Limited Brands to further emphasize the Company’s commitment to building a family of the world’s best fashion brands.
2002	Aura Science, a new prestige beauty brand resulting from the Intimate Beauty Corp./Shiseido joint venture, opens its first concept store at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio.
2002	The Limited, Inc. and Intimate Brands, Inc. recombine into The Limited, Inc.
2001	The Limited, Inc. announces the integration of Structure into Express as a dual gender brand for both men and women.
2001	Limited Brands completes sale of Lane Bryant.
2000	Intimate Beauty Corporation and Shiseido Co., Ltd. form joint venture to develop, market and sell new lines of prestige beauty products for sale in free-standing stores.
1999	The White Barn Candle Co. is launched by raising an old-fashioned barn in New York City’s Bryant Park.
1999	The Limited, Inc. completes spin-off of Limited Too and sells majority of interest in Galyan’s.
1998	Victoria’s Secret launches e-commerce site VictoriasSecret.com, profitable since day one.
1998	The Limited, Inc. completes split-off of Abercrombie & Fitch.
1998	50 Bath & Body Works Home stores are converted to The White Barn Candle Co. stores to begin a home fragrance brand test.
1998	Intimate Beauty Corporation, is created to develop and build a portfolio of distinct beauty businesses. Victoria’s Secret Beauty is the first brand in its portfolio.
1995	Initial Public Offering of Intimate Brands, Inc. establishes it as a fully independent company.
1990	Bath & Body Works opens first store in Boston.
1990	First Structure store is opened. Two years later it becomes its own division.
1988	Limited Too, fashion for girls, is unveiled in Limited Stores.
1988	25 Abercrombie & Fitch stores and one catalogue are acquired for $46 million.
1987	Express Men’s brand is sold in 16 Express stores. Two years later it is renamed Structure.
1985	798 Lerner stores are acquired for $297 million.
1985	One Henri Bendel store is acquired for $10 million.
1982	Victoria’s Secret store and catalogue are purchased for $1 million.
1982	Lane Bryant is purchased and consists of 207 stores and a mail order division, Brylane. Lane Bryant was sold to Charming Shoppes for $335 million in July 2001.
1982	The Limited, Inc. is listed as LTD on the New York Stock Exchange.
1980	First Limited Express opens in Chicago. Two years later, Express becomes the first separate division of Limited Brands.
1977	The Limited moves into its Morse Road headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.
1969	The Limited’s first public stock offering is issued over-the-counter. 47,600 shares are offered at $7.25 per share.
1963	The Limited opens its first store in Kingsdale Mall in Columbus, Ohio.

Adapted From: Limited Brands Historical Timeline