Recent media speculation over the possible acquisition of footwear companies Genesco and Skechers by private investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) remain rife as Skechers’ CEO released a letter to the company’s employees, in which he neither confirmed nor denied the rumours.

Robert Greenberg’s stated, “With the ready availability of significant capital in private equity funds and Skechers attractiveness as a franchise, rumours and speculation are not surprising. Unfortunately, the kind of rumour contained in the article can be disruptive to our employees and customers and our business. Our focus is and continues to be the continued execution of our business to serve the interests of our customers and employees and create long-term value for our shareholders. Putting our customers first is our primary business strategy and we intend to continue to focus on this as always."

The speculation began when Women's Wear Daily reported that Skechers and Genesco would be bought separately by KKR and then be combined into one company.