Storm clouds continue to gather over ports from Maine to Texas as the negotiating table remains empty between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, increasing the odds of a strike following the Sep. 30 expiration of the current Master Contract.

Late last week, MNC Capital increased its all-cash offer for VSTO to $43.00 per share, valuing the entire company at about $3.2 billion, but with a deadline of today for the board to accept its bid, aiming to sign a merger agreement by Sep. 13.

The pace of imports continues to exceed last year by double digits, according the NRF and Hackett Associates’ Global Port Tracker, growing 21% in July to 2.32 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units.

The ratings agency improved its outlook on the retailer after a strong Q2 performance, with an eye towards raising its BBB issuer credit rating, which was affirmed for now.

GSM Outdoors, which is being acquired by Platinum Equity, sees the rating agency issue a B credit rating to its proposed senior secured credit facility with a stable outlook.

Brooks Sports denied the accusation that it’s infringing on nine of the Big Cat’s patents related to the “nitro” mark, and fired back against Puma’s suit with a series of counterclaims.