Chinese sportswear giant ANTA Sports Products Limited has completed the acquisition of a 29.06% stake in German sportswear major PUMA SE from Artémis SAS, the investment company of the Pinault family, for €1.5055 billion in cash. Following regulatory approvals and the completion of customary closing conditions, ANTA Sports has become PUMA’s largest shareholder. The transaction marks a major step in ANTA’s “single-focus, multi-brand, globalization” strategy, strengthening its international presence and giving the group a significant position in one of the world’s most recognised sportswear brands.

ANTA Sports said it plans to support PUMA by bringing expertise developed through its multi-brand operations, particularly across retail, operations, management and global resource integration. The group sees opportunities to help unlock PUMA’s potential in international markets, including China, while maintaining the German brand’s existing identity and positioning. ANTA Chairman Ding Shizhong said the company recognises PUMA’s strong heritage, global footprint and sports credibility, and intends to support its ongoing transformation without compromising its independence, corporate culture or brand autonomy.

PUMA CEO Arthur Hoeld welcomed ANTA Sports as its largest shareholder, describing the investment as a strong vote of confidence in PUMA’s strategy and management team. The two companies are expected to explore opportunities to combine their respective strengths as PUMA pursues its ambition of becoming a top three global sports brand. ANTA will seek appropriate representation on PUMA’s Supervisory Board but has stated that it currently has no plans to make a takeover offer. The deal further highlights the growing global influence of Asian sportswear groups and creates a significant new partnership between two major players in the international footwear and sporting goods industry.