Dick’s Sporting Goods closes Foot Locker acquisition

The deal enables Dick’s Sporting Goods to increase its presence not only in the US, but also internationally. The retailer will now operate over 3 200 stores, as well as e-commerce and digital businesses, across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. It will also have a presence in the form of licensed stores in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Under a new leadership team, the company will continue to operate Foot Locker's portfolio of brands, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos.
In partnership with two new presidents, one for North America and one for international operations, Dick’s executive chairman Ed Stack will lead the global Foot Locker businesses. Ann Freeman, a former Nike executive, has been appointed President of Foot Locker North America, while the company is still in the process of appointing a president to oversee the international regions.
She will be supported by a leadership team comprising seasoned Foot Locker veterans and external talent. Tony Aversa and George Jenkins, who have both worked at the company for 30 years, will take on senior roles overseeing North American operations and customer experience. Peter Scaturro will become Chief Financial Officer after leading strategic planning.
New appointments include Denise Karkos and Steve Miller, who join from Dick’s General Manager of Champs Sports and Chief Operating Officer, respectively; Brett O’Brien, who joins from PepsiCo as Chief Marketing Officer; and Michael Keinath, who joins from Dick’s as Chief People Officer.
“We are very enthusiastic about the future of Foot Locker. The world class team we have assembled is committed to returning Foot Locker to its rightful place in our industry. We are committed to investing in and growing Foot Locker through its strong culture, led by the Stripers, and creating a more powerful experience for consumers”, commented Ed Stack, Executive Chairman of Dick’s.
Lauren Hobart, President and CEO of Dick’s, added: “Bringing together the strengths of both companies will help us return Foot Locker to growth while continuing to fuel Dick’s momentum. As a combined company, Dick’s and Foot Locker will create a global platform that will redefine the sports retail industry and unlock value for both companies, our brand partners, our teammates, our communities and our shareholders”.
Dick’s Sporting Goods expects the transaction to increase its earnings per share in the 2026 financial year, excluding transaction-related and other one-off costs. The company also anticipates delivering cost synergies of between 100 and 125 million US dollars in the medium term.
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