Anta Sports said it completed a 1.5055 billion euro cash purchase of 29.06 percent of Puma from Artemis, becoming the German company's largest shareholder.
Anta Sports said on 7 October that it had completed the purchase of 29.06 percent of Puma SE from Artemis SAS, the Pinault family's investment company, for 1.5055 billion euros in cash. The Hong Kong-listed group said regulatory approvals and closing conditions were satisfied and that it is now Puma's largest shareholder.
Anta said the deal fits a single-focus, multi-brand globalisation strategy. Chairman Ding Shizhong said Puma's football, motorsport and running businesses complement Anta's portfolio, and that Anta lacks a strong football presence while Puma has deep football expertise. The company said it will respect Puma's independent governance and brand identity.
Puma chief executive Arthur Hoeld said in the Anta release that the group welcomed Anta as its largest shareholder and saw the holding as a vote of confidence in Puma's strategy and management.
The Star reported the same closing on Friday, citing the 1.51 billion euro price and the 29.06 percent stake. The transaction is a completed share purchase, not a full takeover.
No board change or earnings guidance was included in the completion statement used here.
People Sentiments Neutral
- Ding Shizhong said Puma's football expertise fills a gap in Anta's portfolio.
- Arthur Hoeld called the stake a vote of confidence in Puma's strategy.