Merger talks between J. Crew, Fast Retailing break down

Merger discussions between apparel chain J. Crew Group Inc. and Japan's Fast Retailing Co. have broken down, people familiar with the matter told the Wasll Street Journal, reducing the prospects for a deal that would create a global retailing behemoth.

The end to the discussions could prove temporary, and both companies could renew them down the road, the people added.

J. Crew owners were looking for as much as $5 billion in the discussions with Fast Retailing.

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