Li Ning is selling 25 percent direct stake in his eponymous firm to Viva China Holdings, a company in which his family has a 56 percent stake, for HK$1.36 billion (€135.6m-$175.4), but the shares will technically remain inside the family. The sum will be paid by Viva China to buy the shares from two other companies owneed by Li Ning's family, Victory Mind Assets and Dragon City Management. Viva China is involved in sports talent management and has property investments. According to analysts, Viva China could sell some of its Li Ning shares if it needs to raise funds, putting Li Ning investors at a disadvantage should this occur. Shares of the company founded by the Olympic gymnast fell by 4.8 percent to HK$4.60 on Oct.17, the largest drop since Aug. 27. Viva China's shares almost doubled in value to 12 Hong Kong cents.

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