Anta
Anta Sports Products · China
Anta is a Chinese sportswear brand founded in 1991 in Jinjiang, Fujian, and the core of Anta Sports Products, a Hong Kong-listed group chaired by Ding Shizhong. Through acquisitions including Fila in China, Amer Sports, Jack Wolfskin and a 29 per cent stake in Puma, the group has become one of the most powerful players in global sportswear.
| Founded | 1991, Jinjiang, Fujian, China |
|---|---|
| Founder and chairman | Ding Shizhong |
| Parent company | Anta Sports Products Limited (HKEX: 2020) |
| Headquarters | Jinjiang, China |
| Group brands | Anta, Fila (China), Descente, Kolon Sport, Maia Active, Jack Wolfskin |
| Major holdings | Amer Sports, Puma (about 29 per cent since 2026) |
| Website | anta.com |
What is Anta?
Anta is a Chinese sportswear brand offering footwear, apparel and accessories for basketball, running, tennis and lifestyle. It is the namesake brand of Anta Sports Products Limited, headquartered in Jinjiang, Fujian, and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2007. The group is chaired by its founder, Ding Shizhong.
History
Anta was founded in 1991 in Jinjiang, a centre of China's footwear manufacturing industry. It grew from a shoe maker into a national sportswear brand, helped by sponsorships of Chinese Olympic teams and NBA players. From 2009 the company pursued a multi-brand strategy, beginning with the acquisition of the Fila brand rights for mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao. Later steps included:
- Joint ventures for Descente and Kolon Sport in China
- Leading the consortium that acquired Amer Sports in 2019
- Acquiring Jack Wolfskin from Topgolf Callaway Brands in 2025
- Buying a stake of about 29 per cent in Puma in January 2026, becoming its largest shareholder
Products and positioning
The Anta brand itself sits in the mid-market of the Chinese sportswear market, with a focus on basketball and running footwear endorsed by athletes such as Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The group's other brands cover premium and specialist segments, from Fila's fashion-oriented sportswear to Descente's ski and performance apparel.
Business model and distribution
In China, Anta sells through a large network of brand stores, a combination of company-operated and franchised outlets, as well as major e-commerce platforms. The group reported revenue of 43.51 billion renminbi for the first half of 2026, with an operating profit margin of 27.0 per cent, according to its investor relations website.
Why it matters
Anta's acquisitions have made it a central force in international sportswear. With stakes in Amer Sports and Puma and ownership of Jack Wolfskin, decisions taken in Jinjiang now shape brands that are important to European and American retailers.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Anta?
Anta is the core brand of Anta Sports Products, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and chaired by its founder Ding Shizhong. The group also owns or controls Fila in China, Descente, Kolon Sport and Jack Wolfskin.
Does Anta own Puma?
Anta does not own Puma outright. In January 2026 it acquired a stake of about 29 per cent for around 1.5 billion euros, which made it Puma's largest shareholder.