News: It is reported that ANTA SPORTS and LI NING intend to acquire Puma

Multiple media outlets have cited informed sources reporting that China's leading sportswear manufacturers ANTA Sports Products Limited (2020.HK) and Li Ning Company Limited (2331.HK) are considering making a takeover bid for the German sports brand Puma.

Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources, that ANTA is working with an advisor to evaluate potential acquisition proposals and may collaborate with a private equity investor to finance the deal. The report also indicated that Li Ning is discussing financing options with several banks to advance its own potential acquisition plans. Other possible bidders include Japan's Asics.

Puma is currently controlled by the French Pinault family, which held 29% of the company's shares as of the end of last year. ANTA did not respond to requests for comment; Li Ning stated that the company has not engaged in any "substantive" negotiations regarding Puma.

In recent years, both ANTA and Li Ning have taken steps to expand their businesses into markets outside of China, with ANTA being more aggressive in its approach. A consortium led by ANTA acquired Amer Sports (AS.US) for $5.2 billion in 2019, which owns brands such as Arc'teryx and Wilson. Earlier this year, there were also reports that ANTA was in talks to acquire the American brand Reebok, but the brand's owner, Authentic Brands, denied this.

In terms of stock prices, ANTA fell 0.9% on Friday, with an 8.6% increase year-to-date; Li Ning dropped 1.4% on the same day, with a 5.5% increase for the year