Talbots Inc. said Monday it had agreed to acquire women’s apparel retailer J. Jill Group Inc. for about $517 million, trumping an earlier unsolicited offer from Liz Claiborne Inc., which said it was not inclined to sweeten its bid.

Monday’s deal would give Talbots ownership of a struggling brand catering to affluent older women that recently has seen its retail store expansion cannibalize its more profitable and established catalog operations.

J. Jill shares soared $4.37, or 23 percent, to close at $23.57 Monday on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Talbots shares fell 93 cents, or 3.4 percent, to close at $26.34 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Talbots has a store at 646 Vt. in downtown Lawrence.