The hedge fund that owns True Religion is exploring a sale of the Y2K-era jeans brand as it returns to growth and profitability after emerging from its second bankruptcy, CNBC has learned. It's unclear what valuation True Religion is seeking, but it could sell for a mid single digit multiple of its EBITDA, the people said. Farmstead Capital Management, True Religion's owner, has hired Baird to run the sale process. True Religion went public in 2003 and made headlines for its growth and profits. Buckley, who helmed the company during its 2000s heyday and returned in 2019, has transformed True Religion into a leaner machine.

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Persons: Baird, Baird didn't, Juicy Couture, Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Michael Buckley, athleisure, Buckley, Levi Strauss, Levi, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren Organizations: CNBC, Farmstead Capital Management, Saks Fifth, Religion, Nike Locations: Angeles