Castore Founders Approach Anta, Li-Ning as Investors Push Sale: what are the key facts?

On October 21, Castore co-founder Tom Beahon said the company is in contact with Anta and Li-Ning over a potential deal.

Castore Founders Approach Anta, Li-Ning as Investors Push Sale: what are the key facts?

Li-Ning denied any contact, while Anta declined to comment.

Castore Founders Approach Anta, Li-Ning as Investors Push Sale: what are the key facts?

JPMorgan has been hired to evaluate options including a sale of a majority or minority stake and strategic partnerships.

Castore Founders Approach Anta, Li-Ning as Investors Push Sale: what are the key facts?

Three investment firms are pushing for a sale, with their holdings stemming from a 145 million pound funding round in November 2023.

Castore Founders Approach Anta, Li-Ning as Investors Push Sale: what are the key facts?

The founder brothers said they will not exit and will continue to run the company after any deal.

Physix Frontier · News Briefing Card (enbrief · Oct 24, 2026)

Castore Founders Approach Anta, Li-Ning as Investors Push Sale

KEY FACTS

On October 21, Castore co-founder Tom Beahon said the company is in contact with Anta and Li-Ning over a potential deal.
Li-Ning denied any contact, while Anta declined to comment.
JPMorgan has been hired to evaluate options including a sale of a majority or minority stake and strategic partnerships.
Three investment firms are pushing for a sale, with their holdings stemming from a 145 million pound funding round in November 2023.
The founder brothers said they will not exit and will continue to run the company after any deal.

KEY DATA

145 million pounds2023 funding amount

950 million pounds2023 valuation

334.6 million pounds18-month revenue

approximately 40.3 million poundsPretax loss

PHYSIX OBSERVATION

Castore's growth depends on team contracts, but quality control issues have led to customer churn and widening losses. Investors are eager to cash out, while the founders want to retain control, creating conflicting demands. Anta has already acquired Puma and has little appetite to buy another loss-making asset; Li-Ning adheres to a single-brand strategy, making integration difficult. A deal may be hard to close and could ultimately result in a discounted sale of old shares.

Source: enbrief original report ↗