Rumour has it that Adolf ‘Adi’ Dassler and Rudolf Dassler’s rival brands, adidas and PUMA, could be merging, potentially ending one of the most famous family feuds in sportswear history– WWD reports.
PUMA has taken a beating this year, with its stock losing over 50% of its value and peaking at a 60% drop by mid-August. But once the merger rumours surfaced, shares quickly regained momentum.
Adding more spice to the story… Bloomberg also reported that the billionaire Pinault family is working with advisors to possibly sell its 29% stake in PUMA through its Artemis investment company.
Roy Adams, co-founder of U.S. investment firm Metronuclear, suggested the idea of a PUMA-Adidas merger during an interview with Handelsblatt on Friday…
“PUMA is in a state of emergency,” he said, pointing to the brand’s ongoing struggles.
Adams warned that “if management fails to turn things around,” then “a merger with Adidas is the best option.”
His remarks have since stirred fresh buzz around a potential deal between the rival sportswear giants.
