The transaction is likely to close by the end of 2026, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions
Anta Sports Products has reached a share purchase agreement with Groupe Artémis, the investment company of the Pinault family, to acquire a 29.06 per cent stake in Puma SE, the company behind global sports brand Puma.
The stake is valued at 1.5 billion Euros (around USD 1.79 billion) in cash. The transaction marks a significant step in Anta Sports’ globalisation strategy, further enhancing its reach, recognition and competitiveness in the global sporting goods market. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The equity acquisition will be entirely financed with Anta Sports’ internal cash resources.
Ding Shizhong, Board Chairman of Anta Sports, commented, “This acquisition makes Anta Sports the largest shareholder of Puma and marks a major step forward in our ‘single-focus, multi-brand, globalisation’ strategy. 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’ globalisation 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.”
The group has been expanding operations across key markets including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America, and Europe. It has successfully empowered multiple international brands, accumulating extensive experience in multi-brand operations management and brand value revitalisation, including its unique brand plus retail business model with a proven track record.
The official statement added that Anta Sports fully appreciates Puma’s management culture and independent governance as a German-listed company. Anta Sports intends to seek adequate representation on Puma’s supervisory board. These representatives will work closely with the other supervisory board members from both the shareholders’ and employee representatives’ side, while preserving Puma’s strong brand identity and heritage.
The group will carefully assess the possibility of further deepening the partnership between the two parties in the future. The group currently has no plans to make a takeover offer for Puma, the official statement added.
