Final Bids Expected for Eddie Bauer

Four private equity firms are expected to submit final bids today for casual retailer Eddie Bauer Inc., with offers topping $1 billion, sources familiar with the situation said.

Apollo Management, Bain Capital, Credit Suisse First Boston’s private equity arm and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. are expected to bid on the 83-year-old retailer, the sources said.

Eddie Bauer, which is owned by Spiegel Inc., could fetch bids in the range of $900 million to $1.35 billion, sources said. Spiegel filed for bankruptcy protection last year.

Spiegel, Apollo, CSFB and KKR did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Bain declined to comment.