FUZHOU, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's sportswear giant Anta Sports announced on Tuesday that it will buy a 29.06% stake in German group Puma SE for 1.5 billion euros, making the Chinese company the largest single shareholder in the iconic brand.
The acquisition from the Pinault family's investment firm, Groupe Artemis, marks a significant step in Anta's push to expand its global portfolio and footprint. According to the statement, Anta Sports currently has no plans to make a takeover offer for the rest of the company.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Anta said it will fund the purchase entirely from internal cash reserves.
"This acquisition makes Anta Sports the largest shareholder of Puma and marks a major step forward in our 'single-focus, multi-brand, globalization' strategy," said Anta Chairman Ding Shizhong.
"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. This will further accelerate Anta Sports' globalization, and help drive the next chapter of growth for the global sports markets including China, creating lasting value for both companies' consumers and shareholders worldwide," said Ding.
Anta Sports owns international brands like Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport and Jack Wolfskin, and is the largest shareholder in Amer Sports Inc., a global group of sports and outdoor brands, including Arc'teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Peak Performance and Atomic.
The Chinese side said it aims to support Puma's management and strategy while preserving the German group's brand autonomy. It intends to seek representation on Puma's supervisory board and will explore further collaboration opportunities.
"We believe Puma's share price over the past few months does not fully reflect the long-term potential of the brand," Ding added, expressing confidence in Puma's ongoing strategic transformation.
"We hope to build strong trust, work together at arm's length, and leverage our complementary strengths without comprising independence. We look forward to supporting the brand's ongoing revival," said Ding.
The move strengthens Anta's presence in global sports categories where Puma holds strong positions, particularly football, running and motor sports. Puma, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, employs about 20,000 people and distributes products in more than 120 countries and regions. Enditem
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