Anta set to expand in global sports world

China is embracing a larger role in the global sports world as a Chinese company is poised to acquire the company that owns one of the most iconic brands associated with the US pastime of baseball: the Louisville Slugger baseball bat.

Earlier this month, an international consortium led by China's Anta Sports that includes Tencent Holdings and Anamered Investments, which is owned by Canadian billionaire Chip Wilson, founder of yoga apparel company Lululemon Athletica, offered to acquire Finland's Amer Sports, which owns the Louisville Slugger and Wilson Sporting Goods, for $5 billion according to Reuters, as well as two other sports items frequently made with wood components, Wilson tennis rackets and Atomic Ski.

Along with apple pie and hot dogs, baseball remains a symbol of the United States. The hardwood Louisville Slugger bats are mainstays among American ballplayers from youth leagues to the major league, where it is the official and No 1 bat.