Who Owns Adidas?

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Michael Weinstein

Entrepreneur

Michael Weinstein is a seasoned writer and a dedicated expert in work safety, footwear, and popular shoe brands. With years of research and expertise, he's...Read more

Who owns Adidas? If you’ve ever wondered about the people behind this iconic sportswear brand, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the ownership of Adidas and uncover the story behind this global powerhouse.

Adidas, known for its stylish kicks and sporty apparel, is actually owned by a company called Adidas AG. But who exactly controls Adidas AG? Let’s find out the answer to this ownership mystery!

Prepare to be surprised because Adidas AG is not owned by just one person or entity. Instead, it is a publicly traded company, meaning that its ownership is spread among numerous shareholders who own stocks in the company. But don’t worry, we’ll unveil more about the major stakeholders and their influence on Adidas in the upcoming sections!

Who Owns Adidas? A Deep Dive into the Ownership Behind the Iconic Brand

Adidas is a globally recognized brand known for its innovative sports clothing, footwear, and accessories. As a consumer, you might be curious about who actually owns this iconic company. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ownership structure of Adidas, diving into the key players and shareholders behind the brand’s success.

The Founding and Early Ownership of Adidas

Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, or “Adi” as he was commonly known. Alongside his brother, Rudolf Dassler, they originally started a shoe company named “Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik” in their mother’s laundry room. However, due to personal differences and disputes, the brothers split, with Rudolf founding Puma, a fierce competitor to Adidas.

Following the split, Adi Dassler rebranded the company as “Adidas” using a combination of his first and last names. He took ownership of Adidas and began building the brand’s reputation for quality sports footwear. However, in 1987, Adi Dassler passed away, and his son, Horst Dassler, took over as chairman of the company.

In 1990, Adidas went public and became a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This move opened up the ownership of the company to a larger pool of investors, bringing the brand even more recognition and growth opportunities.

The Major Shareholders of Adidas

Despite going public, the Dassler family still holds a significant stake in Adidas. While they no longer have direct ownership, their influence and involvement in the company are palpable. The Dassler’s shareholding is primarily managed through the investment vehicle known as “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Hafung,” or GMBH for short.

Another major shareholder of Adidas is the investment firm, DWS Group. Working as the asset management division of Deutsche Bank, DWS Group holds a substantial number of shares in Adidas on behalf of its clients. Their ownership stake contributes to the overall stability and growth of the brand.

Additionally, mutual fund companies like BlackRock and Vanguard Group also hold significant shares in Adidas. As leaders in the investment industry, these funds manage the assets of countless individuals and institutional investors, making their ownership of Adidas a noteworthy influence on the company’s trajectory.

Adidas Ownership Vs. Competitors

When it comes to ownership, Adidas differs from some of its main competitors in the sportswear industry. Nike, for example, operates under a different ownership structure. While Nike is a publicly traded company, co-founder Phil Knight and his family have significant ownership and control over the brand through their holding company, Swoosh LLC.

In contrast, Adidas has a more diversified shareholder base, with a mix of family ownership, institutional investors, and individual shareholders. This ensures a broader perspective and potentially more stability in the long run.

When considering the ownership of sportswear brands, it’s important to note that despite the individual shareholders or investment firms, the focus is always on the brand’s growth, innovation, and market leadership.

Benefits of Adidas’ Ownership Structure

Adidas’ ownership structure presents several advantages for the brand. Firstly, having the Dassler family still connected to the company brings a sense of heritage and authenticity. Their knowledge and experience in the sports industry continue to guide Adidas’ direction and preserve the brand’s legacy.

The presence of institutional investors, such as DWS Group and the mutual funds, fosters stability and credibility. These investors provide financial backing, research, and strategic advice to help propel Adidas forward. Their influence can be seen in the brand’s global expansion efforts and partnerships with various sports leagues, teams, and athletes.

Furthermore, the diverse ownership base ensures that Adidas remains accountable to its shareholders, resulting in a focus on long-term growth, sustainable practices, and meeting the expectations of both consumers and investors.

Tips for Investing in Adidas

If you’re interested in investing in Adidas, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and stay updated on the company’s performance and market trends. Keep an eye on news related to the sportswear industry as a whole, paying attention to competitors, consumer preferences, and emerging technologies.

Consider consulting with a financial advisor or broker who can provide you with expert guidance and help you make informed investment decisions. Investing in individual stocks, like Adidas, involves risks, so diversify your portfolio to minimize potential losses.

Lastly, remember that investing requires a long-term perspective. The value of stocks can fluctuate, so it’s important to stay patient and invest in companies that align with your financial goals and personal values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our frequently asked questions section about the ownership of Adidas. Here, we will provide you with answers to some common queries related to who owns Adidas. Read on to find out more!

1. How did Adidas start and who currently owns it?

Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, commonly known as Adi Dassler. He started the company after splitting from his brother, who went on to establish Puma. Today, Adidas is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by shareholders who hold its stock. The largest shareholders include various institutional investors and mutual funds.

Adidas has a complex ownership structure, with multiple investment firms and individuals holding shares. However, some of the notable shareholders include investment management companies like BlackRock and The Vanguard Group, as well as members of the Dassler family, who have retained a stake in the company.

2. Are there any celebrities or athletes who own Adidas?

While Adidas is primarily a publicly traded company, there are a few individuals who have become affiliated with the brand and have partnerships or endorsement deals. However, it’s important to note that these individuals do not own the company itself.

Some well-known celebrities and athletes who have partnered with Adidas include Kanye West, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, and Lionel Messi. They are involved in collaborations and have their own signature lines within the Adidas brand. However, these partnerships do not include ownership of the company.

3. Has the ownership of Adidas changed over the years?

Yes, the ownership of Adidas has undergone changes since its founding in 1949. Initially, Adidas was solely owned by Adi Dassler and his family. However, as the company grew and expanded globally, its ownership structure evolved.

In 1995, Adidas went public and started trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. This meant that shares of the company were available for purchase by investors, leading to a dispersed ownership structure. Over the years, different shareholders, including institutional investors and investment firms, have acquired stakes in the company.

4. Are there any rival companies that own shares in Adidas?

While Adidas competes with various rival companies in the sports and apparel industry, there isn’t a direct ownership relationship between these competitors. Rival companies like Nike and Puma are separate entities with their own ownership structures.

However, it’s worth mentioning that investment firms or mutual funds that own shares in Adidas may also have investments in other competing companies. This is common in the investment world, as these firms diversify their portfolios across industries and brands.

5. Can individuals buy shares in Adidas?

Yes, individuals can buy shares in Adidas if they are interested in owning a part of the company. As Adidas is a publicly traded company, its shares are available for purchase on the stock market.

If you are considering buying shares in Adidas, it’s important to do your research and consult with a financial advisor if needed. Investing in stocks carries risks, and it’s important to make informed decisions based on your personal financial goals and circumstances.

6. Who currently owns Adidas?

Adidas, the renowned sportswear brand, is no longer family-owned since the passing of Horst Dassler, the son of Adolf Dassler, in 1987. The company was subsequently sold and is currently owned by Adidas AG, a multinational corporate group. Adidas AG is under the ownership of various shareholders, signifying a diverse and global ownership structure. This transition marked a significant change in the ownership and management of Adidas, with the brand now operating under a corporate framework that embraces multiple stakeholders.

7. Is Adidas and Nike the same company?

No, Adidas and Nike are not the same company. After a disagreement between the two brothers, the company split, leading to the creation of two separate and well-known sporting brands: Adidas and Puma. Adidas is currently the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second largest globally, right behind Nike. With a brand value of approximately 14.6 billion U.S. dollars, Adidas holds a prominent position in the sportswear industry.

8. Are Puma and Adidas the same company?

Puma and Adidas, although both renowned in the world of sporting goods, are not the same company. In the late 1940s, two brothers who had been working together found themselves in a period of growing tension. As a result, they decided to part ways and establish their separate shoe companies. This move led to the birth of two incredible brands that would become icons in the industry – Puma and Adidas. Despite their origins and shared history, these companies continue to operate independently, each leaving their own unique mark on the world of sports footwear.

9. Who is the CEO of Adidas right now?

As of January 1, 2023, Bjørn Gulden is the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adidas AG, based in Herzogenaurach, Germany. In addition to his role as CEO, Gulden also holds the position of a member of the Executive Board. He is responsible for overseeing the business area of Global Brands, as well as Global Human Resources, People, and Culture on an interim basis. With his extensive leadership experience, Gulden plays a crucial role in driving the growth and success of Adidas, a renowned global sportswear brand.

Summary

So, here’s what we learned about who owns Adidas. Adidas is a big company that sells sports shoes and clothes. It’s owned by people who buy shares of the company’s stock. The biggest shareholders are usually large investment companies. Sometimes, famous athletes or celebrities also own some shares. It’s a complex web of ownership, but ultimately, the people who own Adidas are the ones who invest in it and believe in its success. So, if you ever wear Adidas shoes or clothes, you can remember that you’re supporting a company owned by many different people.