On October 7, ANTA SPORTS (HKEX: 02020) announced that it has completed the acquisition of a 29.06% stake in PUMA SE, the company behind the globally iconic sports brand PUMA, from Artémis SAS, the investment vehicle of the Pinault family, for a cash consideration of EUR 1.5055 billion. All relevant regulatory approvals have been obtained and customary closing conditions have been satisfied. ANTA SPORTS has officially become the largest shareholder of PUMA.

For ANTA SPORTS, this investment represents a significant milestone in advancing its "single focus, multi-brand, globalization" development strategy, and will further enhance its international influence, market coverage, and competitiveness in the global sporting goods market. ANTA SPORTS will leverage its years of accumulated capabilities in multi-brand management, retail, and global resource integration to provide synergistic empowerment to PUMA.

Ding Shizhong, Chairman of the Board of ANTA SPORTS, stated: "We are very pleased to become PUMA's largest shareholder and important strategic partner. Currently, the global sporting goods market continues to develop steadily under the dual drivers of increasing sports participation and growing consumer demand, presenting tremendous opportunities. ANTA SPORTS is a multi-brand empowering enterprise, and the value of a multi-brand strategy lies in activating the value and potential of these excellent brands through group empowerment. We believe PUMA's brand heritage and value are highly attractive. We have full confidence in PUMA's management team and support the strategic transformation plan they are currently advancing. As a long-term investor, we will empower the PUMA brand with our retail and operational expertise, fully unlocking its brand value and development potential to create long-term value for consumers worldwide."

Arthur Hoeld, CEO of PUMA SE, stated: "PUMA has built one of the most recognizable sports brands in the world, with deep historical heritage, solid sports expertise, a global business footprint, leading innovation capabilities, and a strong partner network. We welcome ANTA SPORTS as PUMA's largest shareholder and view its long-term commitment as trust and recognition of our strategy, management team, and future development. We look forward to building a productive partnership with ANTA SPORTS, jointly exploring areas where both parties' strengths complement each other to create sustainable value for PUMA and its shareholders, and helping us achieve our goal of entering the top three global sports brands."

It is understood that ANTA SPORTS will fully respect PUMA's sporting heritage, unique brand identity and corporate culture, as well as its independent governance structure and brand autonomy. As previously announced, the group will seek appropriate representation on PUMA's Supervisory Board. The group currently has no plans to launch a tender offer for PUMA.