Anta Sports of China Allegedly Proposes Acquisition of 29% Stake in Puma

This action corresponds with Anta's precedent of acquiring Western assets, whilst Artemis aims to divest the "non-strategic" interest to alleviate debt from other enterprises.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Anta Sports Products of China has proposed to acquire 29 percent of the ailing German sportswear firm Puma from the Pinault family of France, according to three individuals familiar with the negotiations.

Anta proposed the bid many weeks prior and has obtained funding for the acquisition, contingent upon the deal proceeding, according to two sources. However, the situation had reached an impasse, one remarked.

Artemis anticipated that any proposal for its Puma investment would surpass €40 a share, according to a fourth individual familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters. All four sources requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the situation. Artemis is operated by billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, the head of Kering, which encompasses the fashion giant Gucci among its properties. The Pinault family obtained its Puma share from Kering when the company transitioned to a solely luxury-focused entity in 2018.

Artemis and Puma refrained from providing a statement. Anta did not promptly respond to a request for commentary. Puma shares increased by up to 9 percent on the Reuters article, reaching its highest value since May 2025 at €24.6, according to LSEG data. Puma's market capitalisation was €3.3 billion (S$4.9 billion) after the close on January 7, representing a fall of around 50 percent compared to the previous year due to a significant decrease in sales.