Build-A-Bear's management could be following suit with otherretail companies that have gone private to quench the thirst ofprivate-equity firms eager to snatch up chain stores. GuitarCenter, Dollar General and Outback Steakhouse are among some of thecompanies that have either gone private or are in the process ofdoing so.

Build-A-Bear's management stresses that it still has majorexpansion plans for the chain, which operates about 245 stores inNorth America, 40 UK units and about 30 franchised stores in Europeand Asia. The company's executives see the potential for 350 NorthAmerican locations and 300 units in other parts of the globe.

Earlier this month, Build-A-Bear's earnings-per-share guidancefor its fiscal year was lowered to between $1.55 and $1.65 from$1.65 and $1.75 due to lower-than-expected same-store sales.Comparable-unit sales for the second quarter, which ended June 9,are expected to plunge in the 7% to 9% range.