Anta Steps Into Puma: Acquires 29% Stake in German Group for $1.5 Billion

As anticipated for months, Anta will be the company that will take over the weakened Puma. The Chinese group has informed the stock market regulator of the signing of the acquisition of 29.06% of the capital of the German group that was in the hands of the Pinault family, owner of Kering. This move accelerates the concentration in the sports equipment segment.

In the transaction, Puma has agreed to sell more than 43 million shares at a price of €35 per share. The amount of the transaction exceeds €1.5 billion, as detailed by Anta, which becomes Puma’s largest shareholder despite taking a minority stake.

“The acquisition represents an important step in the execution of the group’s strategy based on a single, multi-brand approach and globalization,“ the Chinese company explained. Regarding Puma, it pointed out that “its specific positioning in sports categories is highly complementary to the group’s current multi-brand and niche business”.

Anta has agreed with Puma the purchase of more than 43 million shares at a price of €35 per share

Over the past year, Puma has been in the spotlight of major sports industry groups, especially since the Pinaults made public their interest in divesting. Adidas and Li Ning, as well as Anta, have been mentioned as potential buyers of Puma.

With a track record of more than three decades, Anta is the segment leader in China and has a notable presence in the Middle East, Africa and the United States. Puma, on the other hand, focuses its activity in Europe, so the two companies’ businesses are complementary.

Anta, which began operations in 1991, designs, produces and distributes sports equipment. The company operates a portfolio of brands including Anta, Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport and Maia Active, among others. It is also the main shareholder of Amer Sports, owner of Salomon, Wilson and Peak Performance.

Pending the company’s 2025 results, Anta ended 2024 with sales valued at 70,826 million Chinese yuan ($10.17 billion), up 13.6% on the previous year. The Asian group’s net income for the period stood at 16.989 billion yuan ($2.44 billion), up from 11.277 billion yuan ($1.61 billion).