Lands’ End Stock Up on Possible Sale

Lands’ End Inc. stock rose 6% on unconfirmed reports that a variety of big-name retailers are looking into buying the mail-order clothing company. The company is majority owned by its founder and chairman, Gary C. Comer, 73.

Executives at Lands’ End could not be reached for comment about a story in Business Week saying that Sears, Roebuck & Co. and several others have been eyeing Dodgeville, Wis.-based firm.

“That story has been around and I’ve thought it myself for five or six years, the question is time frame,” said Kevin Silverman, a longtime Lands’ End financial analyst and managing partner of Madison Partners in Chicago.

Lands’ End stock gained $2.08 to close at $36.73 on the NYSE.