Pinault Wants to Sell Puma? Investors Are Rubbing Their Hands With Joy
The family behind the luxury and fashion empire may be saying goodbye to one of its sporting gems. News of the potential sale of its shares in Puma is electrifying not only investors but also the entire business world.
The Pinaults, owners of the Artemis Group and among the most influential players in the luxury market, have been significant shareholders in Puma for years. They currently own 29 percent of the German footwear and sportswear manufacturer's shares . However, Bloomberg reports that the family is now considering exiting the investment.
The reason? Last year , Puma lost almost half its market value . And although the brand still has a global reach, its stock market performance wasn't encouraging. Paradoxically, the mere appearance of news of a possible sale acted as a boost – the stock price jumped by a staggering 12 percent.
The Pinaults are considering selling their shares in Puma/photo: ShutterstockBehind-the-scenes talks are already underway. According to reports, Pinault's advisors have been gauging interest from Chinese sports giants Anta Sports and Li Ning . American brands and Middle Eastern investment funds may also be in the mix. For each of them, acquiring a stake in Puma would not only be a strategic business move but also an entry into the world of a sports legend.
The Pinaults are known for knowing exactly when to enter and when to abandon ship. Selling their stake in Puma could mean the family refocusing on flagship luxury brands—like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga —that have long been trendsetters in the fashion world. Despite its sporting DNA, Puma has always been somewhat on the fringes of this portfolio.
Does this mean we'll soon see a new owner for one of the most recognizable sports brands? We'll have to wait for the answer. One thing is certain: the combination of big business, global ambition, and the excitement of sports makes this transaction potentially one of the most talked-about events of the year.
