The Limited loses weight.(Brief Article)

Byline: Katie Anderson

U.S. retailer The Limited Inc. is selling its Lane Bryant women's full-size apparel stores for $335 million in cash and stock to Charming Shoppes Inc., in The Limited's latest effort to shed its sprawl of apparel chains.

The deal, which includes $280 million in cash and $55 million in stock, will leave The Limited owning about 8% of Charming Shoppes' stock, said Charming Shoppes' CFO Eric Specter.

"This gives us that last tier of demographic coverage," said Specter, describing Lane Bryant shoppers as upscale.

Analysts, however, were more eager to applaud The Limited's decision to sell. "It's a smart move," said Tina …