Mergers & Acquisitions

Debenhams and Sears are understood to be in early discussions about Debenhams opening concession or franchise areas in Sears outlets across the U.S. The U.K. department store retailer currently has around 60 franchised stores around the world and has a plan to increase this number to 100 as it looks to expand beyond its domestic market.

Investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Academy Sports + Outdoors. The Gochman family will retain a minority ownership stake in the retailer.

Target is raising awareness for its new fresh food offerings by running mobile banner and audio ads across Pandora's platforms. Pandora offers popular mobile applications, with the audience skewing toward younger consumers. Target's mobile ad is targeting Pandora users who are not regular Target shoppers to try to encourage them to buy its new fresh food offerings.

By now most consumers are at least somewhat familiar with the e-reader, namely Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's NOOK, but there's another e-reader on the market and Borders is banking on the device to help boost its business. Borders announced that it has expanded its partnership with Kobo, the maker of an e-reader that at $129.99 is about $10 to $20 less than the Kindle and NOOK, respectively.

Potentially helping Groupon break free of email inboxes, the deal giant is reportedly in partnership talks with location-based leader Foursquare. The arrangement is likely to see Groupon deals targeted to Foursquare users' check-ins, according to multiple sources cited by All Things D.

Steve Madden has completed the acquisition of privately held The Topline Corporation, a designer, producer and marketer of private label and branded footwear. 

Wal-Mart has revealed an integrated 360-degree marketing and media relationship with Hispanic family media company Todobebé, Inc. Wal-Mart is now the sole, year-round retail sponsor for the company's multiple platforms, which target Hispanic mothers and families raising children under 5 years old in the United States.

Shoe maker Deckers Outdoor Corp. said it's buying the Sanuk shoe and sandal brand from Sanuk U.S.A. LLC and C.& C. Partners Ltd. for $120 million. The business generated more than $43 million in net sales last year. Deckers expects the acquisition will boost earnings modestly this year, before transaction costs.

Gilt Groupe is expanding its e-commerce offerings by launching Gilt Taste, a culinary e-magazine and specialty food market. Gilt Groupe Chairman Susan Lyne and Ruth Reichl, Gilt taste advisor, weigh in.

Big Lots has decided not to sell itself after bids from private equity firms came in below the company's expectations. The chain reportedly had received interest from several buyout firms earlier this year.