In January, the Sports Authority board of directors unanimouslyapproved the merger, leaving the final vote up to stockholders.During the initial announcement, chairman and CEO Doug Mortoncommented that "as a private company, Sports Authority will havegreater flexibility to accomplish its long-term goals."

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Sports Authoritystockholders will receive $37.25 in cash for each share of SportsAuthority common stock held. Merrill Lynch acted as financialadvisor for Sports Authority in connection with the mergertransaction, while Banc of America Securities LLC advised LeonardGreen & Partners. Bank of America N.A. and TCW/CrescentMezzanine have provided commitments for the debt portion of thefinancing.

As of April 29, 2006, the Sports Authority operated 402 storesin 45 states under the Sports Authority and Gart Sports names.Leonard Green & Partners is a Los Angeles-based private equityfirm specializing in organizing, structuring and sponsoringmanagement buy-outs, going-private transactions andrecapitalizations of established public and private companies.