Struggling footwear chain Foot Locker is set to be acquired by Dick’s Sporting Goods for approximately $2.4 billion. This marks the second significant acquisition of a footwear brand in recent weeks as leaders navigate the challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
On Thursday, Dick’s announced its intention to operate Foot Locker as an independent entity, while maintaining its associated brands like Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and the Japanese sneaker label atmos.
“The influence of sports and sports culture remains incredibly strong. Through this acquisition, we aim to establish a new global platform catering to these evolving demands with the beloved concepts consumers cherish. This includes improved store designs, omnichannel experiences, and a diverse product range that connects with our various customer segments,” stated Dick’s CEO Lauren Hobart.
Both companies are led by women. Hobart became CEO at Dick’s in 2021, while Mary Dillon has served as CEO of Foot Locker since 2022.
Foot Locker announced a turnaround plan in 2023 in part to help improve its relationship with big brands. Speaking at the J.P. Morgan Retail Round Up Conference last month, Dillon said that Foot Locker is working closely with Nike, specifically in categories including basketball, sneaker culture and kids.
Earlier this month Skechers announced that it was being taken private by the investment firm by 3G Capital in a transaction worth more than $9 billion.
The retail industry has been growing increasingly concerned over Trump’s trade war with other countries, particularly China. Athletic shoe makers have invested heavily in production in Asia.
Shares of sporting goods and athletic shoe companies have been under pressure all year. Foot Locker’s stock has plunged 41% this year. It is also facing pressure elsewhere, with major athletic companies like Nike and Adidas shifting their sales strategies.
Skechers had fallen almost 8% this year.
About 97% of the clothes and shoes purchased in the U.S. are imported, predominantly from Asia, according to the American Apparel & Footwear Association. Using factories overseas has kept labor costs down for U.S. companies, but neither they nor their overseas suppliers are likely to absorb price increases due to new tariffs.
Foot Locker, based in New York City, offers Dick’s a lot of potential, namely its huge real estate footprint, and would give the Pittsburgh company its first foothold overseas.
Foot Locker has about 2,400 retail stores across 20 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. It also has a licensed store presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The company had global sales of $8 billion last year.
Jefferies analyst Jonathan Matuszewski said that about 33% of Foot Locker’s sales come from outside the United States. He anticipates that the combined company would generate approximately 12% of sales internationally on a pro forma basis.
The deal also broadens Dick’s customer base, with sneaker collectors anxiously anticipating new drops from Foot Locker.
Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, said in an emailed statement that Foot Locker, which has a 4.3% share of the sporting goods market, would give an immediate boost to Dick’s.
“It would also give Dick’s substantially more bargaining power with national brands, especially in the sneaker space,” he added.
Foot Locker shareholders can choose to receive either $24 in cash or 0.1168 shares of Dick’s common stock for each Foot Locker share that they own.
Dick’s said that it anticipates closing on the Foot Locker deal in the second half of the year. The transaction still needs approval from Foot Locker shareholders.
Dick’s stock dropped more than 10% before the market open, while shares of Foot Locker surged more than 82%.
