Consumer goods Chinese Anta Group wants to make a major investment in Puma
The Chinese group Anta Sports wants to make a major investment in the German sporting goods manufacturer Puma. However, the authorities and shareholders still have to give their approval.
27.01.2026, 05:09
SDA
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 company had concluded an agreement with Groupe Artémis, which is owned by the Pinault family.
Rumors about the Chinese entry have been circulating for months, after the French billionaire family had reportedly considered selling its stake in Puma. The Pinaults held their 29 percent stake in Puma via their financial holding Artémis.
Puma wants to get back on the road to success
The investment will make Anta the largest shareholder in the traditional German brand and, according to its own statements, it is aiming for "appropriate representation" on the supervisory board once the deal has been completed. Anta expects the investment to expand its presence and brand awareness in the global sporting goods market, the company announced.
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 its product portfolio.
Anta, on the other hand, is continuing 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.
What the Puma shares cost
Specifically, the deal between Anta and Artémis envisages the Chinese putting 1.5 billion euros on the table for their 29 percent stake. According to the stock exchange announcement, Anta wants to acquire around 43 million shares at 35 euros each. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
"This will further accelerate the globalization of Anta Sports and write the next chapter of growth in the global sports markets - including China," said Anta CEO Ding Shizhong according to the press release.
