China's Anta Sports exploring bid for Puma

CHINESE sportswear maker Anta Sports Products is among firms exploring a potential takeover of German sportswear brand Puma, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

Hong Kong-listed Anta has been working with an adviser to evaluate a bid for Puma, and may team up with a private equity firm if it decides to move forward with an offer, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Other potential bidders could include Chinese sportswear group Li Ning, which has been discussing financing options with banks as it takes an early look at Puma, according to the report. Puma may also attract interest from Japanese sportswear company ASICS, the report said.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report.

Anta Sports, Puma, and Li Ning did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. ASICS could not be immediately reached for comment.

Puma's biggest shareholder Artemis, the privately-owned holding company that controls Gucci owner Kering, has said it is considering all options for its 29% stake, though a source close to the firm told Reuters in September it would not sell at the market value then.

Puma's market valuation is currently at 2.52 billion euros ($2.92 billion), according to LSEG data.

The Pinault family, which controls Artemis, acquired its Puma stake in 2018 from Kering when the luxury group transformed into a pure luxury player focused on brands like Gucci and Saint Laurent.

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