Decathlon has started a process to sell a 30 percent stake in its China business, with a deal potentially valuing the unit at about $1 billion or more, according to a report from Bloomberg News.
Sources told the business publication that the French sporting goods retailer is working with an adviser and has attracted initial interest from potential investors. It may decide against a sale or consider other options to help it expand in China, the report added.
A China Daily article from May 2024 indicated Decathlon had over 200 physical stores in more than 100 cities across China and was planning to open 20 to 30 stores annually in China over the next two years.
The potential sales comes as Decathlon announced in March that Javier López, who had previously led Decathlon’s value chain, had been appointed CEO, replacing Barbara Martin Coppola who has served in the role since March 2022. His appointment came shortly after Julien Leclercq, son of Decathlon founder Michel Leclercq, was named chairman of the board.
