The two most iconic and well-known names in the sporting industry, Adidas and Puma, have a fascinating stories behind them. It all began with two brothers from Germany—Adolf and Rudolf Dassler—who shared a passion for sports shoes. The two decided to start their own business when Adolf created Adidas in 1948 and Rudolf created Puma two years later.
History
Today, Adidas and Puma are two of the world’s biggest sportswear companies, but their family feud has made them rivals.
Rudolf was born in 1898 in Herzogenaurach, part of the German Empire, to a middle-class family. His brother Adolf was born in 1900.
In 1919, they founded the shoe manufacturing company Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik or Geda for short. Despite Germany’s complex political climate during the 1930s and 1940s, Geda flourished, which is reflected in Jesse Owens’ wearing Geda shoes while winning gold at the 1936 Olympics. During World War II, Rudolf was drafted into service for Germany, so Geda’s shoe factory became a weapons plant. After the conflict ended, Rudolf returned home, whereupon operations resumed at Gedafabrikanten Vereinigung.
After several decades of collaboration, Adolf and Rudolf abruptly closed Geda in 1948. There were two causes for the animosity that have been said to be rooted in their spouses’ hatred for one another as well as Rudolph’s growing assumption that his brother Adi was behind his conscription into the military and consequently brief imprisonment by the Allies.
In 1948, Rudolf created Puma. The name Ruda was used at first (short for Rudolph Dassler), but it was later renamed Puma after the animal. Adolf established Adidas in 1949, also named for himself (Adi Adasser). Geda’s employees and assets were separated between the brothers. Adidas acquired possession of the factory near to train station by taking over two-thirds of Geda’s workers and resources. Rudolf maintained control of the Würzburger Street Factory site with no compensation from his brother.
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Even though both brands Adidas and Puma have grown a lot since they started, they still have a friendly rivalry that goes back to a fight between their two brothers many decades ago. No matter which brand you choose, you can’t deny that the two brothers have greatly impacted the sports industry. Their two companies are now two of the biggest names in sports, and athletes all over the world wear their clothes and shoes. With Adidas and Puma, two brothers from Germany changed the way we look at sports forever.
So, no matter whether you’re a fan of Adidas or Puma, the two brothers have left an everlasting mark on sports that can be celebrated. So pick up your favorite pair of shoes and hit the field! Nothing brings out your inner athlete like two iconic brands that have been around for over 70 years! Both Adidas and Puma deliver great products to their customers.
Also Read: Top 10 Most Popular Sports In The World | 2022 Power Rankings
Who is Richer? Adidas or Puma?
In 2020, Adidas had a net income of 674 billion euros while Puma’s net income amounted to 229.7 million euros.
Who is bigger Puma or Adidas?
Adidas brand is ranked #58 in the list of Global Top and best 100 Brands, as rated by customers of Adidas. Their current market cap is $5.62B. PUMA’s brand is ranked #63 in the list of Global Top 100 Brands, as rated by customers of PUMA. Their current market cap is $15.21B.
Current Adidas Owner & Puma owner?
Kasper Rørsted is a Danish business executive who has been the CEO of the German sportswear firm Adidas since 2016. On 22 August 2022, He announced that he will resign from CEO post during the course of 2023.
Arne Freundt is the current CEP of PUMA who was appointed in November 2022. In 2010, Puma acquired Cobra Golf and took over the bodywear and socks company Dobotex in 2011.