Gary Wassner Seen In the Mix In Barneys Bid

Sam Ben-Avraham seems to have found some friends in his quest to buy Barneys New York out of bankruptcy. Sources said the trade show veteran and Kith backer has been in talks with fashion financier Gary Wassner to raise money and try to take control of the luxury retailer. Wassner has been close to the Barneys business for years, helping designers ship goods to the company as chief executive officer of factoring firm Hilldun Corp. He also sits on the unsecured creditors committee in the Barneys bankruptcy and is a vocal advocate for American designers. Wassner did not return a call Sunday and Ben-Avraham could not be reached. Ben-Avraham’s background in trade shows has industry experts wondering just what his plans for Barneys entail. But if Wassner ultimately takes part in any deal, it would suggest more evolution than revolution at the retailer, which has a reputation for supporting cool designers but hasn’t been able to cover its bills in recent seasons. Ben-Avraham is seen as a savvy player who could reshape the Barneys experience and help bring in new customers and new brands, but he has yet to formerly submit a bid to buy the company. Barneys has been looking for a buyer for

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