Anta Sports Expands Global Footprint With Strategic Puma Stake

China’s leading sportswear company Anta Sports is accelerating its global ambitions through acquisitions, highlighted by its recent $1.8 billion purchase of a 29% stake in Germany’s Puma. The deal underscores Anta’s long-term strategy to build a diversified, international sportswear portfolio that spans multiple price points, categories, and regions.

Founded in Fujian province, Anta is known domestically for offering reliable, value-driven sports apparel priced significantly lower than competitors like Nike. Over the past decade, the company has transformed from a mass-market Chinese brand into a global sportswear conglomerate. By 2025, Anta commanded around 23% of China’s sportswear market, overtaking both Nike and Adidas, and reached a market valuation of approximately $28 billion, ranking it among the world’s top three sportswear companies.

Chairman and founder Ding Shizong has consistently emphasized that his goal is not to create “the Nike of China,” but rather “the Anta of the world.” That vision has been driven by a steady acquisition strategy. Anta’s brand portfolio now includes Fila in China and parts of Southeast Asia, premium outdoor labels such as Descente, Kolon Sport, and Jack Wolfskin, women’s activewear brand MAIA Active, and global sports equipment names under Amer Sports.

Anta’s 2018 acquisition of Amer Sports for $6.29 billion proved pivotal. Brands like Arc’teryx, Salomon, and Wilson have since experienced rapid growth, particularly in China, supported by Anta’s expertise in local retail expansion and direct-to-consumer strategies. Arc’teryx alone operates more than 70 stores in Greater China, contributing to annual regional growth exceeding 40%.

The Puma investment fills a strategic gap in Anta’s portfolio by adding a globally recognized, mass-market brand with strong presence in Europe and the United States. Puma currently generates only a small portion of its revenue from China, a market analysts believe has been underdeveloped. With Anta’s operational playbook, Puma is expected to benefit from increased investment, improved retail experiences, and stronger brand positioning in China.

As Anta’s domestic market approaches saturation, the company is expanding aggressively overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia and the United States. While Anta’s own brand faces challenges gaining Western recognition, partnerships like Puma provide a faster route to global scale, reinforcing Anta’s ambition to become the world’s largest sportswear group.