ANTA Considers Landmark Bid to Acquire PUMA, Signaling a Potential Power Shift in Global Sportswear
China’s ANTA Eyes Potential Acquisition of PUMA
A major transformation may be unfolding in the global sportswear industry as China’s ANTA, one of the world’s fastest-growing athletic apparel companies, is reportedly evaluating a potential takeover of German sportswear titan PUMA. If pursued, the acquisition would mark one of the most significant cross-border deals in the sector’s history and dramatically reshape the competitive landscape.A Strategic Move to Accelerate Western Expansion
ANTA’s interest comes as part of its wider strategy to rapidly grow its footprint across Europe and North America. By acquiring PUMA—a globally established brand with decades of cultural and athletic relevance—ANTA would instantly secure a powerful presence in Western markets. Industry analysts note that such a move could position ANTA as a formidable challenger to long-standing leaders Nike and Adidas.PUMA currently holds a market valuation of approximately €7 billion EUR ($7.6 billion USD) and is majority-owned by the Pinault family’s holding company, Artémis. With Kering having signaled plans to reduce its stake, conditions are favorable for a high-stakes bidding contest among global investors.
A Growing Portfolio Ready for Global Scale
ANTA already oversees an expansive portfolio that includes Fila’s operations in China and the Finnish-based Amer Sports—parent company to Arc’teryx and Salomon. Adding PUMA’s influential football and lifestyle divisions would strengthen ANTA’s presence across both performance and lifestyle segments, creating a diversified sportswear powerhouse with deep global reach.Other investment firms are also believed to be exploring bids, but a successful acquisition by ANTA would mark a pivotal milestone for Chinese corporate influence in the luxury and sports apparel sectors. Such a deal would not only reshape the hierarchy of the global market but could also spark a new era of competition and innovation across the industry.
