Dicks Sporting Goods closes in on deal to buy rival Foot Locker: report

Dick’s Sporting Goods was nearing a deal to buy rival footwear retailer Foot Locker for about $2.3 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.The companies have discussed a deal at $24 per share for Foot Locker, the report said.That would represent an 86.5% premium to the stock’s last closing price.Shares of Foot Locker surged 62% in extended trading, while Dick’s Sporting Goods was down about 5%.The deal could be finalized as soon as Thursday, the report said.The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment....