Virat Kohli has invested Rs 40 crore in Agilitas, the sporting goods manufacturing company started by former Puma India head Abhishek Ganguly, sources told Moneycontrol, as the cricketing legend continues to build on a business relationship he started years ago.
As the managing director of Puma India, Ganguly had played a key role in roping in Kohli as the company’s brand ambassador. The Rs 110-crore contract, which began around 2017 was reportedly in place for eight years, until 2025. Earlier this year, Kohli, who was set to renew his contract, now worth Rs 300 crore, walked out of the deal and chose to go with Agilitas.
In his new role, Kohli will be more than a brand ambassador. He will put in money in exchange for ownership in Bengaluru-based firm and also play an active role in shaping Agilitas.
Agilitas aims to create an end-to-end chain of all things related to sports, from manufacturing to retail, and what it cannot build in-house it will acquire companies that have expertise in the field. In 2023, Agilitas acquired Mochiko Shoes, that company that manufacturers shoes for brands such as Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Skechers, Reebok, Asics, Crocs, Decathlon, Clarks, and US Polo, among others.
Agilitas also acquired the licensing rights for Lotto, an arrangment that allows the company to sell its shoes in India and a few other regions. While Lotto will be one of the many brands Agilitas will run, it plans to introduce at least three other brands including Kohli’s One8, ensuring his active role in the company’s scale up.