Merchandise inventory at the end of the second quarter is expected to be lower than at the same period last year. During the first six months of the year, the Company repurchased 2.3 million shares of its common stock for $50 million under a three-year $300 million share repurchase program.
Additional shares may be purchased this year based on market conditions and other factors. Through an extensive review of its store base, the Company identified a number of unproductive domestic stores that it is pursuing to close over the next several months.
Depending on the success in negotiating settlements with its landlords, a total of up to 250 stores will be closed in 2007. This is approximately twice the number of stores that the Company had originally planned to close in 2007 and, as a result of this action, it is expected that the profitability of the Company's U.S. store base will be enhanced, beginning in 2008.
At the same time, the Company is in the process of developing plans to open additional Foot Locker stores more aggressively in the European and surrounding markets. During 2008, the Company currently expects to open up to 30 new stores in this region that will be managed by the Foot Locker Europe management team.
Three key management changes were also announced, effective August 6, 2007. Keith Daly, currently President and CEO of Foot Locker Europe since 2005, was promoted to President and CEO of Foot Locker U.S. with responsibility for the Company's Foot Locker, Footaction and Kids Foot Locker stores in the U.S. Mr. Daly will be replaced by Dick Johnson, who has been President and CEO of Footlocker.com since 2003.
An executive search is currently being conducted to identify a suitable candidate to replace Mr. Johnson. Dowe Tillema was promoted to Executive Vice President of Footlocker.com and will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer of this division.
The Company also confirmed that it had retained Lehman Brothers as an advisor to work with the Company to evaluate strategic alternatives, including inquiries received from private equity firms.
Foot Locker Inc plans to report its second quarter 2007 financial results on Wednesday, August 22, 2007. A conference call is scheduled for Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. EDT to discuss these results. This conference call may be accessed live from the Investor Relations section of the Foot Locker Inc.
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