All Brands Owned by The Michaels Companies

Who owns Michaels?
Michaels is owned by private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which acquired The Michaels Companies for approximately $5 billion in April 2021, taking it private. It has no public stock listing.

Is Michaels publicly traded?
No. Michaels was publicly traded twice, first after 1984 and again from 2014 to 2021 under ticker MIK, but it has been privately held by Apollo Global Management since the 2021 buyout.

When was Michaels founded?
Michaels was founded in 1973 in Dallas, Texas, when Michael J. Dupey converted a five-and-dime store into an arts and crafts retailer. It grew into the largest crafts chain in North America.

Who founded Michaels?
Michael J. Dupey founded the company in 1973. He later sold the chain, which passed through public ownership and two private equity buyouts before its current ownership by Apollo.

What is Michaels' market position?
Michaels is the largest arts and crafts retailer in North America with approximately 1,300 stores. Its position strengthened when rival JOANN went out of business in 2025 and Michaels acquired its intellectual property and private-label brands.

Did Michaels buy JOANN?
Michaels acquired JOANN's intellectual property and private-label brands, including Big Twist, in June 2025 after JOANN's bankruptcy liquidation. It did not acquire JOANN's stores or operations, which were wound down, but it absorbed the brand assets and expanded its fabric and sewing assortment.