April 23 Reuters JD Sports Fashion has proposed to buy American athletic fashion retailer Hibbett Inc for about 1.08 billion, the companies said on Tuesday, as Britain39;s biggest sportswear retailer looks to expand across the southeastern U.S.

The deal comes as shares in athletic clothing retailers come under pressure globally after weak outlooks from sports apparel makers such as Nike and Puma.

Last month JD39;s U.S. rival Foot Locker also warned on 2024 profits, though Adidas last week hiked its 2024 forecast on strong demand for the German sportswear giant39;s sneakers.

JD Sports, which sells Nike, adidas, HOKA and other sports brands, said last month it expects the Euro soccer championships, Paris Olympics and new styles of trainers and track suits would spark life into the lacklustre market.

It will pay 87.50 per Hibbett share in cash, representing a premium of about 20 to the U.S. firm39;s last closing price.

The enlarged group would have combined revenues of about 4.7 billion pounds in North America, JD Sports said, adding that the region39;s contribution to total sales would increase to about 40 from the current 32.

The deal is expected to add to the British firm39;s earnings in the first full year of ownership, with cost savings expected to be at least 25 million, JD said.

JD Sports shares, which have fallen about 26 so far this year, rose 2.7 in early deals.

The Bury, Greater Manchesterbased company said it expects to fund the deal and refinance…