Skechers buyout report 'disruptive'

The chief executive of Skechers USA Inc. told employees in an e-mail that reports of a possible buyout of the footwear company were "disruptive." But CEO Robert Greenberg sidestepped telling workers outright whether the media speculation was true.

Women's Wear Daily reported this week that a private equity firm was considering buying Manhattan Beach-based Skechers as well as Genesco Inc. and merging the two.

In his e-mail, Greenberg said it was company policy not to comment on acquisition rumors. Genesco officials also declined to comment.

Shares of Skechers fell 74 cents, or 2.17%, to $33.37. Genesco shares rose 1 cent to $51.48.