LT Weekly: Aug 22, 2025
It was a mixed week in the markets where the S&P 500 rose +0.3% while Nasdaq fell -0.6%. Regarding macro, cautious labor data and hotter inflation figures sparked angst earlier in the week, compounded by re-emerging concerns about AI capex. However, Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole comments were interpreted as dovish, with the market now pricing in a 90% probability of a September rate cut. Also, some of the big consumer giants that reported this week had constructive things to say about the health of the consumer, which was a plus.
In terms of sector fundaments, REMINDER that this week and next will be a light version of our Weekly Update. Please see below for our selection of the most noteworthy updates by sub-sector. The full edition will be back post Labor Day.
Lastly, I wanted to highlight two transactions announced this week in which LionTree served as a financial advisor:
Rent the Runway, Inc., announced a debt recapitalization and growth investment from Aranda Principal Strategies (Temasek), Story3, and Nexus. This capital transaction will strengthen RTR’s balance sheet, inject primary capital into the business and empower a compelling customer and product experience. LionTree proudly served as lead financial advisor to Rent the Runway on this transaction.
Soho House & Co Inc., the global membership platform, announced a definitive agreement to go private through an investor group led by MCR, including funds managed by affiliates of Apollo, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, and a consortium of strategic investors led by Ashton Kutcher. The deal values Soho House & Co Inc. at ~ $2.7bn. LionTree proudly served as financial advisor to the consortium of strategic investors led by Ashton Kutcher on this transaction.
Best,
Leslie
P.S. if you have not yet seen any videos of the World Humanoid Robot Games held in China, it is worth checking out! I can only imagine the progress we will see over the next couple of year, if even that…YouTube video.
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