The Hong Kong-listed sportswear group said it became Puma’s largest shareholder after receiving regulatory approvals and satisfying the deal’s closing conditions.
For ANTA Sports, the acquisition forms part of its “single-focus, multi-brand, globalisation” strategy and is intended to strengthen its international profile, reach, and competitiveness in the global sporting goods market.
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The company intends to apply its experience in managing multiple brands, retail operations, and global resource integration to support Puma’s growth.
As part of the agreement, Puma will continue to operate as an independently managed business, with ANTA Sports saying it would respect the company’s governance, brand autonomy, corporate culture and sporting heritage.
The new anchor shareholder plans to seek appropriate representation on Puma’s supervisory board but has no current plans to make a takeover offer for the German company.
ANTA Sports chairman Ding Shizhong said the group would share experience in areas including retail and operations while supporting Puma’s strategic transformation.
Shizhong said: “We are delighted to become Puma’s largest shareholder and a long-term strategic partner. The global sporting goods market continues to offer significant growth opportunities as more people embrace active lifestyles and increase their participation in sports. ANTA Sports has built its success on a multi-brand strategy. We believe the value of a multi-brand group lies in helping each brand realise its full potential by leveraging the capabilities and resources of the broader group.
“Puma has a rich heritage and strong underlying brand value. We have confidence in its management team and support the strategic transformation currently underway. As a long-term shareholder, we look forward to sharing our experience and capabilities, particularly in retail and operations, while respecting Puma’s independence and brand identity. Our ambition is to support Puma in realising its full potential and creating lasting value for consumers around the world.”
Puma welcomed ANTA Sports’ arrival as the beginning of a “new chapter,” while CEO Arthur Hoeld said the investment represented confidence in the company’s management team and future.
The transaction comes as Puma reported a 9.4% year-on-year decline in currency-adjusted sales for the second quarter of 2026. Puma attributed the fall primarily to its ongoing business “reset” measures and weaker consumer demand.
“PUMA has built one of the most recognised sports brands in the world, with a rich heritage, a deep sports credibility, a global footprint, leading innovations and strong partners. We welcome ANTA Sports as Puma’s largest shareholder and view its long-term commitment as a strong vote of confidence in our strategy, our management team and our future,” Hoeld said.
“We look forward to building a fruitful partnership and exploring areas where our respective strengths can create sustainable value for Puma and its shareholders on our journey to become a top 3 global sports brand.”
