Xtep
China
Xtep is a Chinese sportswear brand founded in 2001 and headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian. It is listed in Hong Kong (code 1368), with chairman Ding Shui Po as controlling shareholder, and has focused on running since 2015.
| Founded | 2001 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Xiamen, Fujian, China |
| Listing | Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1368) |
| Chairman | Ding Shui Po |
| Segment | Sportswear and outdoor |
| Website | xtep.com.hk |
What is Xtep?
Xtep is a Chinese sports brand that sells footwear, apparel and accessories and describes itself as a professional sports brand. It was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian. The company has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (code 1368) since 2008.
History
Hong Kong actor Nicholas Tse became Xtep's spokesperson in 2001, an early example of an entertainment star endorsing a sports brand in mainland China. From 2015 the brand focused on running, and it has since sponsored more marathons in mainland China than any other sportswear brand, according to its Wikipedia entry. In 2019 it signed Jeremy Lin to enter the basketball market.
Ownership and portfolio
Ding Shui Po is chairman and controlling shareholder. In 2019 Xtep acquired KP Global, owner of K-Swiss and Palladium, for US$260 million; in May 2024 it announced plans to sell the subsidiary to Ding. Through a joint venture with Wolverine World Wide, Xtep also holds the Chinese rights to Saucony and Merrell. The current status of the KP Global sale was not confirmed in the source reviewed.
Business model and distribution
The company reports more than 6,300 stores across 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in mainland China and overseas. It has also supplied football kits for clubs including Birmingham City and Villarreal.
Why it matters
Xtep is one of the largest domestic Chinese sportswear groups and a notable example of a Chinese brand building a multi-brand portfolio through acquisition and joint ventures.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Xtep?
Xtep is a publicly listed company in Hong Kong (code 1368). Chairman Ding Shui Po is its controlling shareholder.
Where is Xtep from?
Xtep is from China. It was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Xiamen, in Fujian province.