Hellman & Friedman “At Home” in Retail Resurgence Related Stories May 24, 2021 May 20, 2021 May 20, 2021 At Home Group’s (NYSE: HOME) proposed $2.4 billion take private looks like a zeitgeist transaction on paper. Hellman & Friedman‘s intent to pay a 17 percent premium for the home decor retailer reflects surging pandemic revenues. A second look at broader themes facing retailers could reveal other tailwinds for the store chain. The transaction also exemplifies another growing trend. Covid-related backlogs and valuation swings can provide short term tailwinds for firms, but buyers are also looking for targets that match larger investment themes when selecting potential portfolio companies. Here too, At Home Group could represent a banner transaction.