Planned Saks Fifth Avenue-Neiman Marcus Deal Passes Regulatory Hurdle

Neiman Marcus

The planned acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) by HBC, the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, is one step nearer to closing.

The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act) in connection with the transaction has expired, the luxury retail companies said in a Wednesday (Aug. 21) press release.

“The expiration of the HSR Act waiting period satisfies a closing condition for the transaction,” the release said. “The transaction remains subject to other customary closing conditions. Until closing, the companies will continue to operate separately.”

The HSR Act requires parties to certain proposed larger mergers and acquisitions to notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) about the proposed transaction before it occurs via an HSR Form. They may not close their deal until the waiting period has passed or the government terminates the waiting period, according to the FTC’s website.

The companies announced July 4 their planned transaction in which HBC would acquire NMG, the parent company of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, for $2.65 billion.

They said that upon the closing of the transaction, HBC will establish a “technology-powered luxury retail company” called Saks Global that will bring together the luxury retail and real estate assets of Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Off 5th, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. Each of those entities will continue to operate under their own brands.

“For years, many in the industry have anticipated this transaction and the benefits it would drive for customers, partners and employees,” HBC Executive Chairman and CEO Richard Baker said in the July 4 press release. “This is an exciting time in luxury retail, with technological advancements creating new opportunities to redefine the customer experience, and we look forward to unlocking significant value for our customers, brand partners and employees.”

The new luxury powerhouse that will be created by the acquisition, with Amazon holding a stake, aims to deliver personalized luxury, PYMNTS reported in July. By integrating artificial intelligence and first-party data, the merged company aims to deliver highly tailored interactions both online and in-store, enhancing customer engagement through bespoke recommendations and seamless service.


March Madness 2025 and Beyond: When AI Meets the Big Dance

March Madness 2025 and Beyond: When AI Meets the Big Dance

As the calendar flips to March, college basketball fans are gearing up for another exhilarating NCAA tournament.

In the future, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology could change March Madness as we know it. Let’s break down how the digital revolution could transform the Big Dance.

AI Bracketology: The New Sixth Man

AI is already being used to predict brackets. Gone are the days of agonizing over your picks based on team mascots or your alma mater’s colors. In 2025, AI-powered bracketology is the name of the game. Fans can use algorithms that crunch data points, from player statistics to historical upset probabilities, all at the click of a button.

But beware, bracket enthusiasts. While these AI tools promise to boost your chances of winning the office pool, they can’t account for the quintessential March Madness chaos. You know, the instance where AI can predict everything except the inevitable Cinderella story that ruins everyone’s bracket by the second round.

The Rise of the Robo-Commentators

In a move that would be sure to ruffle some feathers, AI-generated commentary could be used for games. Digital play-by-play announcers would never need a bathroom break and potentially be able to recall obscure statistics from the 1957 tournament in an instant.

Virtual Reality Courtside Seats

Can’t make it to the Final Four? Ten years from now, games might happen in a digital stadium, Forbes reported. With virtual reality (VR) technology, fans could experience the thrill of courtside seats from the comfort of their living rooms.

“AI-generated athletes, inspired by the procedural generation techniques of video game developers … could perform in virtual arenas, exhibiting strategies and plays conceived by advanced predictive algorithms,” Forbes reported.

Just be careful not to get too caught up in the moment with streaming. Wouldn’t want to have reports of fans attempting to rush the virtual court after buzzer-beaters have led to an uptick in living room injuries — especially when that flat screen falls over.

AI Coaches: The Ultimate Clipboard Holder

While human coaches still call the shots, AI assistants could one day be indispensable members of the coaching staff. In the next five years, these digital strategists could analyze opponent tendencies and more.

“Building on existing technologies … AI will provide coaches and players with intricate, multi-dimensional data patterns that dramatically enhance both offensive and defensive strategies,” Forbes reported. “These advanced algorithms will analyze vast datasets from numerous games to uncover hidden trends, strategic insights, and predictive cues about opponents’ potential moves.”

The Referee’s New Best Friend: Computer Vision

Say goodbye to controversial calls. Advanced computer vision systems could assist referees in making split-second decisions, from determining if a player’s toe was on the line for a three-pointer to detecting the slightest touch on a blocked shot.

The Hawk-Eye system is already used in tennis and cricket to help determine fouls, Viso.AI reported.

“This system uses a network of cameras to track the ball and then compares the trajectory of the ball to a virtual model of the playing surface,” the report said. “This system is accurate within a few millimeters, which is much more accurate than the human eye.”

The Future of Fandom

As we dive into March Madness 2025, it’s clear that technology will change the way we experience the tournament. From AI-powered brackets to virtual reality arenas, the digital revolution is coming for basketball. But at its core, the magic of March Madness remains the thrill of competition, the joy of unexpected victories, and the heartbreak of last-second defeats.

So, whether you’re relying on an AI to pick your bracket this year, or screaming at a holographic referee in the future, remember to enjoy the ride. In the unpredictable world of college basketball, sometimes the best strategy is to embrace the madness — digital or otherwise.

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