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Cheryl Arcibal

Anta Sports, China’s largest sportswear firm, is acquiring 29 per cent of German brand Puma from Groupe Artemis of the Pinault family, one of France’s wealthiest, for €1.5 billion (US$1.8 billion).
The Fujian-headquartered group said on Tuesday the deal would “accelerate” its multi-brand globalisation strategy, adding it had no plans to pursue a full takeover or make an offer for Puma Hong Kong. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“This acquisition makes Anta Sports the largest shareholder of Puma and marks a major step forward in our ‘single-focus, multi-brand, globalisation’ strategy,” said Ding Shizhong, chairman of the group.
“Puma is an iconic global brand with substantial heritage. Working with Puma, we look forward to learning from each other and joining hands to fully unlock the brand’s full potential.”
The transaction adds to Anta’s string of acquisitions since 2018, including the US$6.4 billion purchase of Finland-based Amer Sports – which owns Arc’teryx, Salomon and Wilson – Chinese athleisure brand Maia Active, and German outdoor label Jack Wolfskin, acquired for US$250 million.

The Pinault family, which controls global luxury group Kering – owner of brands like Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Saint Laurent – acquired Puma’s controlling stake in 2007. Since then it has reduced its stake but remained its single largest shareholder.
Anta’s acquisition would be financed entirely with internal cash resources, the group said.
Puma is recognised worldwide for its sports and casual footwear, including Puma Clyde, and for collaborations with global celebrities like Blackpink’s Rose, and pop superstars Rihannna and Dua Lipa, among others. Its key sports markets include Europe, Latin America, Africa and India.
Its product line spans diversified sporting activities such as football, running, training, basketball and motorsport.
“Anta has always admired Puma’s long-term brand value and potential,” Ding said. “Such a strong brand DNA and value heritage are rare to come by.”
Moving forward, the group hoped to “build strong trust, work together, and leverage our complementary strengths without compromising independence”, Ding said. “We look forward to supporting the brand’s ongoing revival.”
Anta’s shares rose 2 per cent to HK$77.90 at the close of trading on Tuesday in Hong Kong.
The company, founded in 1991, has been expanding operations across key markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Europe.


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China’s largest sportswear firm is acquiring 29 per cent to become Puma’s biggest shareholder while strengthening its global expansion


China’s largest sportswear firm is acquiring 29 per cent to become Puma’s biggest shareholder while strengthening its global expansion.


China’s Anta snags Puma from France’s Pinault family in US$1.8 billion deal

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}China’s largest sportswear firm is acquiring 29 per cent to become Puma’s biggest shareholder while strengthening its global expansion

China’s largest sportswear firm is acquiring 29 per cent to become Puma’s biggest shareholder while strengthening its global expansion