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? It’s a question that may have crossed your mind as you lace up your favorite pair of sneakers. Well, get ready to dive into the fascinating world of ownership.

Adidas, the iconic sportswear brand, is beloved by athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. But have you ever wondered who calls the shots behind the scenes? Who holds the keys to this athletic empire?

In this article, we’ll uncover the answer to the burning question: Who owns Adidas? So let’s get started and unveil the powerhouses behind this global brand.

Who Owns Adidas? Unraveling the Ownership Structure of a Global Sportswear Giant

Adidas, the renowned sportswear brand known for its iconic three-stripe logo and high-performance athletic gear, has captured the hearts of athletes and fashion enthusiasts around the globe. But have you ever wondered who owns this global powerhouse? In this article, we will delve into the ownership structure of Adidas and uncover the key players behind its success.

The Dassler Family: The Roots of Adidas

To truly understand who owns Adidas, we must first trace back its roots to the Dassler family. Brothers Adolf “Adi” Dassler and Rudolf Dassler founded the company in 1924 under the name “Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik” (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory). In the early years, the Dassler brothers worked together to revolutionize sports footwear, catering to athletes with innovative designs and superior performance.

However, due to personal and professional differences, the brothers split in 1948, leading to the formation of two separate companies. Adolf established Adidas, a combination of his nickname “Adi” and the first three letters of his last name. Meanwhile, Rudolf went on to create Puma, a rival brand that would become a fierce competitor to Adidas.

Puma vs. Adidas: The Sibling Rivalry

The rivalry between Puma and Adidas has become legendary in the world of sportswear. The feud between the Dassler brothers extended beyond business, permeating their personal lives and even dividing their hometown, Herzogenaurach, Germany. The town became known as the “town of bent necks” as residents would look down at people’s shoes to determine if they were loyal to Adidas or Puma.

Despite the intense competition, both Adidas and Puma continued to thrive in the sportswear industry. Over the years, each company went through transitions in ownership and management. Today, both brands are recognized globally, with Adidas firmly holding its place as one of the top sportswear companies in the world.

The Public Listing and Ownership Changes

In 1989, Adidas went public and listed its shares on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, making it a publicly traded company. This move opened the doors for individuals and institutional investors to own a stake in the company. However, the Dassler family remained connected to Adidas through their shares and continued to have a strong influence over its operations.

Over the years, Adidas experienced several ownership changes and acquisitions. In 1990, French businessman Bernard Tapie acquired a majority stake in the company and became the chairman. Tapie aimed to revitalize Adidas but faced financial difficulties that led him to sell the company to the investment group “Bernard Tapie Association.”

In 1993, the investment group sold Adidas to Robert Louis-Dreyfus, a Swiss businessman known for his successful ventures in the food and beverage industry. Under Louis-Dreyfus’ leadership, Adidas underwent a significant transformation and regained its position as a leading sportswear brand.

Acquisitions and Subsidiaries: Expanding the Adidas Empire

Throughout its history, Adidas has strategically acquired various brands and subsidiaries to diversify its offerings and expand its market presence. In 1997, the company acquired Salomon Group, a French skiing and snowboarding equipment manufacturer, and rebranded as “Adidas-Salomon AG.” This acquisition allowed Adidas to establish a presence in the winter sports market.

In 2005, Adidas made a monumental acquisition by purchasing Reebok, a leading American sportswear brand. The acquisition aimed to enhance Adidas’s presence in the United States and strengthen its position in the global sportswear market.

Today, Adidas owns several subsidiaries, including Runtastic, a fitness tracking app, and TaylorMade Golf, a renowned golf equipment manufacturer. These strategic acquisitions and partnerships have positioned Adidas as a diversified sportswear conglomerate, catering to a wide range of athletic pursuits.

Current Ownership and Shareholders

As of the latest available information, Adidas is primarily owned by institutional investors and individual shareholders. The largest institutional shareholders include BlackRock, The Vanguard Group, and Norges Bank Investment Management. These entities hold significant stakes in Adidas and play a crucial role in its corporate governance.

While the Dassler family no longer holds a majority stake in Adidas, they still retain the legacy of the company through their shares and involvement in its history. Their influence and vision have shaped the brand and fueled its success for decades.

Adidas: A Symbol of Athletic Excellence

Adidas has undoubtedly come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Dassler family’s shoemaking business. From the sibling rivalry that birthed a fierce competition to the strategic acquisitions that expanded its reach, Adidas remains an iconic symbol of athletic excellence.

As the sportswear industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to witness how Adidas adapts and innovates under the ownership structure it currently operates within. One thing is certain – the legacy of the Dassler family lives on, driving the pursuit of excellence at Adidas every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you curious about who owns the popular sportswear brand, Adidas? We’ve got you covered! Dive into these frequently asked questions to find out more.

1. How did Adidas come into existence?

Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, commonly known as Adi Dassler. Adi had been an integral part of his family’s successful shoe business, but after a disagreement with his brother, Rudolf, they split ways. Adi went on to create Adidas, combining his own name, “Adi,” with the first three letters of his last name, “Das.” The brand quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and commitment to high-quality athletic footwear.

Today, Adidas has become one of the most prominent sportswear brands globally, offering a wide range of products, including footwear, clothing, and accessories, and sponsoring various sports teams and athletes.

2. Is Adidas a publicly traded company?

Yes, Adidas is a publicly traded company listed on the stock exchange. The stock abbreviation for Adidas is “ADS” and can be found on various stock exchanges around the world. However, a significant portion of the company’s shares is held by the founding family, the Dasslers, through their holding company, Dassler Family GmbH, which gives them substantial control over the brand’s operations and direction.

While Adidas shares are available for public trading, it’s important to note that the Dassler family retains a significant influence on the company’s decision-making processes.

3. Who currently owns Adidas?

As a publicly traded company, Adidas is owned by its shareholders. The largest shareholders are institutional investors, such as pension funds and investment firms, who hold the majority of the company’s shares. Additionally, the Dassler family, through Dassler Family GmbH, retains a significant ownership stake in Adidas and plays a vital role in shaping the brand’s future.

This mixture of institutional investors and the founding family’s involvement ensures a balance of corporate governance and entrepreneurial spirit within the company.

4. Who are some notable athletes and celebrities associated with Adidas?

Over the years, Adidas has formed partnerships with numerous athletes and celebrities who serve as brand ambassadors. Some notable individuals associated with Adidas include soccer legend David Beckham, basketball superstar James Harden, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, and music artist Kanye West. These collaborations help promote the brand and showcase its products to a wide audience, further enhancing its popularity and influence.

The connections with these prominent figures also allow Adidas to develop innovative and stylish products that cater to athletes’ and consumers’ specific needs, giving the brand a competitive edge in the sportswear market.

5. What sets Adidas apart from its competitors?

Adidas stands out from its competitors in several ways. Firstly, the brand has a rich heritage and a long history of designing and manufacturing top-quality sports apparel and footwear. This legacy has earned Adidas a strong reputation for delivering products that combine performance, style, and durability.

Furthermore, Adidas has been a leader in embracing sustainability practices within the industry. The brand is actively working towards reducing its environmental impact and implementing more sustainable materials and manufacturing methods. Through initiatives like the “Adidas Sustainability Strategy,” the company strives to create a positive impact on the planet while continuing to innovate in the sportswear industry.

Summary

Okay, let’s wrap up what we learned about who owns Adidas. Adidas is a big company that makes sports shoes and clothes. The company is actually owned by lots of people who have bought shares in Adidas on the stock market. Some of the biggest owners are big banks or investment companies. So, when you see someone wearing Adidas shoes, it doesn’t mean that one person owns the whole company. It’s actually a lot of people who own a little bit of Adidas.

To figure out who owns Adidas, you need to look at the stock market and see who has bought shares in the company. Because of this, Adidas doesn’t belong to just one person. It belongs to many different people who have decided to invest in the company and become part owners. So, the next time you see someone rocking their Adidas kicks, remember that a bunch of people are behind that famous three-striped logo.