Nike supplier risks own goal with US$1.4b buyout

Hong Kong

THE world's biggest shoemaker risks scoring an own goal.

Taipei-listed Pou Chen, which makes running shoes for Nike, Adidas and many other brands, has offered to buy full control of Pou Sheng in a deal valuing the Hong Kong-listed retailer at HK$10.9 billion (US$1.4 billion).

The growing threat from online shopping makes this a risky bet for the buyer. A generous price suggests outside investors should let the Taiwanese firm…