Foot Locker, Inc., the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Eurostar, Inc. (“WSS”), a U.S.-based athletic footwear and apparel retailer that primarily operates on the West Coast, for $750 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments.
Richard A. Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker, said, “WSS is a highly complementary addition to our portfolio, and we are excited to officially welcome its team to the Foot Locker family. WSS brings an expanded and differentiated customer base rooted in the rapidly growing Hispanic community, diversifies and enhances our product mix, and strengthens our footprint with a 100% off-mall store fleet located in key markets. We look forward to building on WSS’ deep community connections, as we accelerate its growth and drive significant additional long-term value for our shareholders.”
WSS will maintain its name, operating as a new brand within Foot Locker’s portfolio and the Company is committed to developing the WSS team to continue to drive the organization’s success. In connection with the completion of the acquisition, Foot Locker also today announced the appointment of Anthony Aversa to Chief Operating Officer of WSS, effective immediately. He will report directly to Rick Mina, Senior Vice President & General Manager of WSS, and oversee the brand’s market planning, real estate, and customer experience functions. Aversa was previously the Vice President, Customer Experience of Foot Locker North America.
As previously announced, Foot Locker expects WSS to generate low double-digit sales growth annually and low double-digits to mid-teens EBITDA margins over the next five years and be accretive to EPS in fiscal year 2021. As previously reported on August 20, 2021, the Company anticipates that the acquisitions of WSS and atmos combined will be accretive to EPS in the range of $0.44 to $0.48 per share in 2022.
Advisors
Evercore served as financial advisor to Foot Locker, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as its legal advisor. RW Baird served as financial advisor to WSS, and Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, LLP served as its legal advisor.
About Foot Locker, Inc.
Foot Locker, Inc. leads the celebration of sneaker and youth culture around the globe through a portfolio of brands including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Eastbay, WSS, Footaction, and Sidestep. With approximately 3,000 retail stores in 27 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand as well as websites and mobile apps, the Company’s purpose is to inspire and empower youth culture around the world, by fueling a shared passion for self-expression and creating unrivaled experiences at the heart of the global sneaker community. Foot Locker, Inc. has its corporate headquarters in New York. For additional information please visit https://www.footlocker-inc.com.