File photo/Liu Ling (NBD)

China's largest sports products group Anta saw robust financial performance in the first half (H1) of this year thanks to its multi-brand strategy, investment in innovation and expanding retail network.

Anta Sports Products Limited raked in 14.81 billion yuan (about 2.07 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue in H1, up 40.3 percent year on year, according to the company's interim results released Monday.

Its profit from operations increased 58.4 percent to 4.26 billion yuan during this period, while profit attributable to equity shareholders reached a record high of 2.48 billion yuan, up 27.7 percent year on year.

The group had over 10,200 Anta Brand stores including Anta Kids standalone outlets in China by the end of June, and about 1,800 Fila stores, including Fila Kids and Fila Fusion.

Ding Shizhong, chairman of the board of directors and CEO of Anta Group, attributed the high-growth performance to the brand's focus on consumer demands and expectations as well as product innovation.

Anta stepped up investment in innovative features in H1 by enhancing research and development, design and targeted marketing campaigns.

Its self-operated online business surged over 40 percent in H1, while the company's latest brand stores featuring interactive experiences were opened in Chongqing, Shanghai and Nanjing.

Established in 1991 in southeast China's Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, the company has grown from a sports shoe plant into a global sports product group with brands in professional sports and outdoor sports. 

ANTA Sports, together with other investors, acquired Finland's Amer Sports in March, further expanding its brand mix and global market presence.

Email: lansuying@nbd.com.cn