Adidas

Adidas AG, a prominent German athletic apparel and footwear corporation headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, stands as the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the world’s second-largest, trailing only behind Nike. Established by Adolf Dassler in 1924 under the name Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, the company initially focused on the development of spiked running shoes, a venture that gained notable recognition when U.S. sprinter Jesse Owens donned Dassler’s handmade spikes at the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Adidas, recognized for its iconic three stripes, became a distinctive identity mark integral to the company’s clothing and shoe designs. In a strategic move, the three stripes branding was acquired from Finnish sports company Karhu Sports in 1952 for a modest sum of €1,600 and two bottles of whiskey. This branding became so synonymous with Adidas that Adolf Dassler famously referred to the company as “The three stripes company.”

The evolution of Adidas took a significant turn in 1949 when a discordant relationship between Adolf Dassler and his elder brother Rudolf led to a separation of paths. In the aftermath, Adolf founded Adidas, while Rudolf went on to establish Puma, creating a long-standing business rivalry.

Beyond its extensive product line, Adidas is the holding company for the Adidas Group and boasts an 8.33% stake in the prestigious football club Bayern München. Additionally, the company has diversified its portfolio by acquiring Runtastic, an Austrian fitness technology company.

Reflecting its global impact, Adidas reported a substantial revenue of €21.915 billion in 2018. This narrative encapsulates the rich history, innovative spirit, and enduring legacy of Adidas in the realm of sportswear and athletic footwear.