Chinese company Anta is consolidating its position in the global sports business after acquiring a 29.06% stake in the German firm that owns shares of Puma, one of the most relevant sportswear and footwear brands with a strong presence in Argentina. The deal, concluded with Groupe Artémis, the holding company of the French Pinault family, amounted to $1.8 billion and positions it as the main shareholder, according to the Argentine News Agency. It constitutes a significant advance in the international expansion of Chinese groups over global historical brands. Both companies announced that Puma will retain its operational autonomy, its management team, and its brand identity. Alongside Nike and Adidas, the confirmed strategic objective is to position it among the three most relevant sports brands on the planet. The German firm highlighted that the incorporation of Anta aims to enhance the value and legacy of Puma in Argentina from a long-term vision, oriented towards both consumers and global interest groups. The Chinese group also emphasized that the purchase is part of its multi-brand globalization plan, expecting to generate synergies, mutual learning, and accelerate growth in major sports markets, including China. In Argentina, Puma has a consolidated presence with its headquarters in Pilar, a network of stores, local e-commerce, and an expansion plan that includes national production. The brand employs hundreds of workers and operates a footwear factory in the province of La Rioja, which has received million-dollar investments in recent years to increase its capacity. Currently, this factory produces over one million pairs of sneakers annually and is increasing its workforce in both the industry and offices in Buenos Aires. For now, no changes in local operations resulting from Anta's entry have been reported, and the official message reaffirms the continuity of the business and the strengthening of the brand. International Portfolio Anta Sports is not new to global moves of this kind: in addition to its main brand, it manages a diverse international portfolio that includes the rights to Fila in China, Descente, Kolon Sport, Maia Active, and Anta Kids. It is also the main shareholder of Amer Sports, owner of premium brands such as Arc’teryx and Salomon. With the acquisition of Puma, founded in 1948 in Germany and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 1986, with a strong presence in football, athletics, basketball, training, and motorsport, the Chinese group expands its reach in the global sports market. Puma's international network includes Europe, Latin America, Africa, and India, making this a key move for Anta's international expansion and demonstrating the growing protagonism of Chinese groups in the major sports brands sector.
