01/27/2026, 07:5601/27/2026, 07:56
The Chinese group Anta Sports wants to invest heavily in the German sporting goods manufacturer Puma. However, authorities and shareholders still have to agree.
Anta Sports wants to join Puma.Image: imago
As the parent company of brands such as Jack Wolfskin announced on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Anta Sports Products Limited will acquire a 29.06 percent stake in Puma SE. The Chinese have concluded an agreement with Groupe Artémis, which belongs to the Pinault family.
Rumors of Chinese involvement have been circulating for months after the French billionaire family reportedly considered selling their stake in Puma. The Pinaults held their 29 percent of Puma through their financial holding Artémis.
Puma wants to get back on the road to success
By joining, Anta will become the largest shareholder in the traditional German brand and, according to its own statements, is aiming for “appropriate representation” on the supervisory board after the deal is completed. Anta expects to use the investment to expand its presence and brand awareness in the global sporting goods market, the company said.
Puma headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.Image: imago
Puma, based in Herzogenaurach, Franconia, had recently made losses and lost ground to competitors such as Adidas and Nike. Under the new CEO Arthur Hoeld, Puma announced the reduction of 900 jobs by the end of this year and the streamlining of the product portfolio.
Anta, in turn, continues its expansion. Last April, the group took over the German outdoor specialist Jack Wolfskin after its previous owner, Topgolf Callaway from California, sold the brand on.
Puma announced it would cut up to 900 jobs by the end of the year.Image: imago
What the Puma shares cost
Specifically, the deal between Anta and Artémis stipulates that the Chinese will put 1.5 billion euros on the table for their 29 percent. According to the stock exchange announcement, Anta wants to acquire around 43 million shares at 35 euros each. The transaction should therefore be completed by the end of this year.
“We will thus further accelerate the globalization of Anta Sports and write the next chapter of growth in the global sports markets – including China,” said Anta Managing Director Ding Shizhong, according to the statement. (sda/dpa)