Virat Kohli's stake rises to 6.4 pc in Agilitas after merger of One8 Sports

New Delhi, Oct 30 (PTI) Virat Kohli's ownership in Agilitas Sports, a home-grown sportswear firm, has increased to 6.4 per cent from 1.8 per cent, following the merger of Ace cricketer’s firm One8 Sports.

     The development followed approval of the merger by the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) of One8 Sports Pvt Ltd with Agilitas. Last year, Kohli invested Rs 40 crore in Agilitas as an investor and co-creator.     He will continue as co-founder of One8 Sports and remain closely involved in building the sportswear brand, said a joint statement.

     Agilitas is backed by former Puma India and South-East Asia Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly.

     “The merger brings One8 into Agilitas’ sportswear business, giving it access to capabilities across product development, design, research and development, manufacturing and retail,” it said.

     The integration is aimed at strengthening One8's ability to develop products, expand into new sporting categories and build a global sportswear brand from India.

     “With Agilitas’ capabilities behind it, the brand plans to expand into new sporting categories and grow its presence in markets including the US, UK, Canada and Australia,” it said.

     Commenting on the development, Kohli said, “The opportunity to realise a dream of mine in terms of building a sports brand while I was still playing was something I always wanted.”

     He said he had been involved in the brand's development from the beginning, including technology, materials and design, adding that he aspired to build a brand that could eventually stand on its own and become part of people's lifestyles.

     Agilitas Sports co-founder and CEO Abhishek Ganguly said the integration would provide One8 access to the broader ecosystem required to develop products and take them to consumers.

     "The ambition for One8 is to build a leading global sportswear brand from India," Ganguly said, adding that Kohli would remain closely involved in the brand's long-term development.

     Agilitas Sports is an Indian sportswear company with capabilities across product development, manufacturing, brand building, distribution and retail. Its portfolio includes One8 and Lotto, along with Mochiko Shoes, its sports footwear manufacturing business, and consumer-facing retail initiatives such as Sports Yard.

     In 2023, Agilitas Sports acquired sports footwear manufacturer Mochiko Shoes, India’s largest sports footwear manufacturer for the domestic market, for an undisclosed amount.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)