Jones Apparel Group announced this morning that it has signed a new deal to unload iconic high-end Manhattan retailer Barneys New York to the Dubai investment firm Istithmar for $942.3 million in cash.

The sum is actually slightly less than a reported $950 million offer from rival firm, Fast Retailing of Japan, owners of popular casual clothing line Uniqlo; though selling to Fast would also carry a hefty termination fee of more than $20 million.

But! Not so Fast!  read more »