Yankee Candle releases 4th quarter results

Deerfield candle maker Yankee Candle Co. disclosed preliminary fourth quarter results today.

The company also scheduled a special stockholders meeting for Jan. 23 to review its proposed merger.

For the 13 weeks ending Dec. 30, the company estimated total consolidated sales of between $275 million and $278 million, compared with $237 million for the previous fourth quarter, up about 16 percent.

On a GAAP basis, the company estimated fourth-quarter diluted earnings per share of between $1.26 and $1.29 versus $1.01 a year ago.

On Oct. 25, the company disclosed a proposed merger with an affiliate of Madison Dearborn Partners LLC, a private equity firm.

Subject to shareholder approval, the company said it expects that transaction to close in February.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)