In a move that reshapes the global sportswear hierarchy, the Chinese powerhouse Anta Sports has acquired a 29% stake in Puma for €1.5 billion. This transaction officially makes Anta the largest shareholder in the German brand.
Anta Sports—which already owns high-profile brands such as Fila, Wilson, and Salomon—is strategically positioning itself to challenge the dominance of Nike and Adidas. With a market cap of $32.74 billion, Anta is now breathing down the neck of Adidas ($34.74 billion).
Strategic Reinvention for Puma
The deal comes at a critical juncture for Puma. Following a 10.4% dip in sales during Q3 2025, CEO Arthur Hoeld labeled 2025 a “year of reinvention,” characterized by job cuts and streamlined product lines.
“Anta has always admired the long-term value of the Puma brand,” stated Ding Shizhong, Chairman of Anta Sports. “We believe Puma’s recent stock price does not fully reflect its potential. Our goal is to join forces to unlock the brand’s full global potential.”
The Rise of Chinese Brands
While Western giants struggle in the East—Nike reported a 13% revenue drop in China for the first half of fiscal 2026—Anta is surging. In the first half of 2025 alone, Anta’s revenue hit $5.3 billion, a 14.3% year-on-year increase.
Despite becoming the lead shareholder, Anta clarified it has no immediate plans for a full takeover, opting instead to act as a strategic partner to accelerate Puma’s globalization.