The Talbots, Inc.

The Talbots, Inc. (Talbots) is a specialty retailer and direct marketer of women's apparel, shoes, and accessories. The Company operates stores in the United States and Canada. In addition, its customers may shop online or via its catalogs. The Company's products are sold through its 587 stores, its circulation of approximately 55 million catalogs during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 (fiscal 2008) and online through its Website. AEON (U.S.A.), Inc. (AEON (U.S.A.)), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of AEON Co., Ltd. The Talbots offers a collection of classic sportswear, casual wear, dresses, coats, sweaters, accessories and shoes, consisting almost exclusively of Talbots own branded merchandise in misses, petites, woman and woman petite sizes. As of January 31, 2009, Talbots operates in two business segments: Retail Stores and Direct Marketing. In July 2009, the Company announced the sale of J. Jill brand business to Jill Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capi