HAT WORLD EXPANDING THEIR HAT WORLD

Hat World is expanding their hat horizons by acquiring Hat Shack. The retail chain, that operates 49 stores in 10 states, was sold for $18 million.

The company said it will pay for Hat Shack with cash or available borrowing capacity. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, which ends Jan. 28, or the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Hat Shack, based in Marietta, Ga., was the primary competitor of Hat World in the area.