Chinese Company Acquires Renowned German Outdoor Brand Jack Wolfskin

In a significant shift during ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, the well-known German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin has been sold to a Chinese company. Previously owned by the American sports brand Topgolf Callaway Brands, Jack Wolfskin is being acquired by Hong Kong-based Anta Sports for approximately $290 million (around EUR262 million). This sale comes after Topgolf Callaway Brands purchased the company for EUR418 million in 2018, and it reflects their current strategy to refocus on core business areas.

Jack Wolfskin, which employs around 1,500 staff members, is projected to generate revenues of EUR325 million this year, with an operational profit of EUR12 million. Historically, the brand sees a significant sales boost during the second half of the year, accounting for two-thirds of its annual revenue. Jack Wolfskin's production takes place in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

Anta Sports has expressed its intention to enhance its outdoor division through this acquisition, stating that integrating Jack Wolfskin aligns with their global expansion strategy. The company is already recognized for its stake in Amer Sports, a Finnish firm listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which includes well-known brands such as Atomic, Salomon, and Wilson, in addition to outdoor labels like Peak Performance and Arcteryx.

This acquisition marks a new chapter in the storied history of Jack Wolfskin, which was founded in Frankfurt in 1981. The company saw significant investment in 2011 when financial investor Blackstone bought it for EUR700 million. However, subsequent international expansion efforts did not meet expectations, leading to Blackstone transferring ownership to a group of hedge funds, which later sold the brand to Callaway. With this latest transition, Jack Wolfskin will now operate under Chinese ownership.