Castro Model, Israel’s leading domestic fashion retailer, has signed a five-year franchise agreement to bring Anta Sports, the Hong Kong-listed group that controls Amer Sports and holds a stake in PUMA, into the Israeli market from 2027.
Castro Model has signed a five-year franchise agreement with Chinese sportswear group Anta Sports to distribute and sell the brand in Israel, with the launch expected in 2027, according to Israeli media. Castro estimates the investment at roughly NIS 30 million (€7.9 million) and says the agreement gives it a wholesale distribution license, rights to open dedicated Anta stores and scope to launch a standalone Israeli website.
Castro has created a dedicated subsidiary to run the venture, and Globes reports that the retailer is considering outside investors for a minority stake of up to 49 percent while keeping operational control in house. The company is also lining up store leases, building operational infrastructure and hiring sales and management teams ahead of the 2027 launch. Castro can extend the agreement at the end of the five-year term if it meets the targets set out in the contract.
Anta’s expansion into Israel adds a small but growing piece to an international network that remains far smaller than its domestic base: more than 10,000 stores across China compared with roughly 250 outside the country, per Globes. The Hong Kong listed group posted 2025 revenue of $11.6 billion and has a market capitalization of around $26 billion. It also controls Finnish group Amer Sports, owner of Arc’teryx, Salomon, Wilson and Peak Performance, and, according to Globes, announced the acquisition of a 29 percent stake in German rival PUMA earlier this year, which would make it the sportswear company’s largest shareholder.
In Israel, Anta will compete with Nike, controlled by Castro rival Fox, adidas, controlled by Electra Consumer Products and the Salkind family, and Decathlon, as parallel imports continue to pressure category pricing. Globes frames the deal as part of Castro’s broader push beyond its core fashion business into sport and lifestyle retail, following a difficult first quarter for the group and a reported downturn in Nike’s local performance under Fox. Castro Chief Executive Yair Ohayon, cited by i24NEWS, said the company expects Israeli consumers to adopt the brand quickly once it reaches shelves through a national store network, e-commerce and wholesale partners.
