ANTA Sports Products has completed its acquisition of a 29.06% stake in Puma from Artémis, the investment company of the Pinault family, for €1.5055 billion in cash.
Following regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions, ANTA Sports has become Puma’s largest shareholder.
ANTA views the investment as a major step in its “single-focus, multi-brand, globalization” strategy and plans to support Puma with capabilities developed through operating multiple sportswear brands.
Those capabilities include retail operations, management and global resource integration.
ANTA said it intends to respect Puma’s independent governance, brand autonomy, sporting heritage, identity and corporate culture.
The company plans to seek what it described as adequate representation on Puma’s Supervisory Board.
ANTA also said it currently has no plans to make a takeover offer for the remaining Puma shares.
The companies expect to explore ways ANTA’s operational capabilities and international reach can support Puma’s ongoing strategic transformation, including opportunities in China and other global markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“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 realize 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 realizing its full potential and creating lasting value for consumers around the world.”
Ding Shizhong, Board Chairman of ANTA Sports
“PUMA has built one of the most recognized 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. We look forward to building a fruitful relationship 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.”
Arthur Hoeld, CEO of Puma
