A deal with U.S. authorities would end Wal-Mart’s expensive legal troubles stemming from its efforts to expand rapidly abroad a decade ago. It would also allow the company to focus on improving profitability and its e-commerce business. Wal-Mart apparently refused demands last year to pay $600 million or more in penalties. Articles in the New York Times detailed alleged bribery and a cover-up by executives in Mexico. Wal-Mart disclosed possible violations in Mexico to the Justice Department and SEC in November 2011.