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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT
TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): May 20, 2002
Limited Brands, Inc.
(formerly known as The Limited, Inc.)
(Exact Name of Registrant
as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
1-8344 31-1029810
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Three Limited Parkway 43216
Columbus, OH
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(614) 415-7000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
On May 20, 2002, The Limited, Inc. changed its name to "Limited Brands,
Inc." Additional information with respect to the name change is included in the
press release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 7. Exhibits.
(a) Exhibit 99.1 Press release announcing name change of The Limited, Inc.
to "Limited Brands, Inc."
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Limited Brands, Inc.
Date: May 28, 2002 By /s/ Samuel P. Fried
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Name: Samuel P. Fried
Title: Senior Vice President and
General Counsel
Exhibit 99.1
The Limited, Inc. Changes Name to Limited Brands;
Reaffirms Long-term Strategy
Columbus, Ohio (May 20, 2002) - In a move to further emphasize the Company's
commitment to building a family of the world's best fashion brands, The
Limited, Inc. (NYSE: LTD) today announced its decision to rename the company
Limited Brands.
"The business has evolved from a group of specialty stores to some of the most
recognizable brands in retail and that justifies a more active and vital
descriptor," commented Limited Brands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Leslie H. Wexner. "Through the hard work and commitment of our associates, the
loyalty of our customers and the confidence of our shareholders, what was once
a collection of specialty businesses has been transformed into a truly unique
and vibrant portfolio of retail brands. The name Limited Brands more clearly
describes who we are today, and is indicative of our strategy and commitment to
brands going forward."
The name change is effective immediately. The Company's New York Stock Exchange
ticker symbol will remain "LTD."
This change follows the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Intimate
Brands stock earlier this year. The recombination of these businesses brought
together some of the most important brands in apparel, lingerie and personal
care including Express/Express men's, Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works.
Other Limited businesses include Limited Stores, Lerner New York & Company, The
White Barn Candle Co., Henri Bendel and aura science, a recent joint venture
with Japanese cosmetics power, Shiseido Co., Ltd.
Last year alone, two of the Company's investments were listed publicly
(Alliance Data Systems and Galyan's Trading Company), Lane Bryant was sold, 113
oversized and/or under performing stores were closed and the process of
integrating and repositioning Structure, the Company's men's business, into the
Express brand, as Express men's was initiated.
Limited Brands began simplifying its business in 1995 through a series of
divestitures, spin-offs and store closings. Between 1995 and 2000, the Company
took public Intimate Brands, split-off Abercrombie & Fitch, and spun-off
Limited Too. Other transactions included the sale of Brylane, Penhaligon's and
non-retail retail estate, as well as the closing of more than 1,200 stores,
including the Cacique lingerie business and five Henri Bendel stores. The
Company also securitized $1.2 billion in credit card receivables and
repurchased over 300 million shares of Limited stock.
About Limited Brands:
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Limited Brands, through Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Express, Express
men's (Structure), Lerner New York, Limited Stores, The White Barn Candle Co.,
aura science and Henri Bendel, presently operates 4,602 specialty stores.
Victoria's Secret products are also available through the catalogue and
www.VictoriasSecret.com.
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For further information, please contact:
Anthony Hebron
Director, External Communications
Limited Brands
614.415.7555
www.LimitedBrands.com