Dive Summary:

American specialty retailer Aéropostale Inc. announced that the company has adopted a shareholder-rights plan.

The effort is designed to allow shareholders the opportunity to assess potential bids and explore other actions as the company continues to struggle with its core market.

Aéropostale, Inc. says it plans to vote on the new shareholder rights policy at its annual meetings and the initiative would expire if the plan is not approved.

Dive Insight:

Aéropostale shares have dropped roughly 40% during the last six months alone, and the company could be exploring a possible sale but says it has not adopted the “poison pill policy” in response to any recent takeover bids. Citing itself as a major investor, investment firm Sycamore Partners could be a player if the company decides to go private.