Financial Times: Castore in sale talks with Chinese groups

UK sportswear brand Castore is in talks over a potential sale to Chinese groups Anta and Li-Ning, as well as large US footwear brands, according to the Financial Times.

Co-founder Tom Beahon said the process was largely driven by financial investors seeking an exit. Backers include Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Andy Murray and Mohsin and Zuber Issa.

The Manchester-based business was valued at £950m ($1.3bn) in 2023, but recorded a pre-tax loss of £40.8m ($54.4m) on revenue of £334.6m ($445.9m) in the 18 months to 31st August 2025.

Beahon said he and co-founder Phil Beahon would remain: “Me and Phil are not interested in exiting.

"We don’t want to go and sit on a beach or play golf for the rest of our lives.”

The talks could accelerate Castore’s international growth, although Anta declined to comment and Li-Ning had not responded at the time of publication. The report was published on 21st October and is current.