Puma and Adidas make up
Adidas and Puma end 60-year feud
The German sportswear companies Puma and Adidas are to end a feud started 60 years ago by their founding brothers.Adi and Rudolf Dassler started making sports shoes together in their mother's wash-room in the 1920s.
They *fell out during World War II, probably over political differences, and founded firms on either side of a river in southern Germany.
On Monday 21 September, employees of both companies will shake hands and then play a football match.
It is a big deal in the cobblestoned Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach, where two of the world's largest sportswear companies are based.
First joint activities
When the brothers *set up their separate companies in 1948 the town was also split, with residents loyal to one or other of the only major employees.
In a joint release, the two companies said they were *making up to support the Peace One Day organisation, which has its annual non-violence day on Monday.
They say that the events will be the first joint activities held by the two companies since the brothers left their shared firm in 1948.
Neither group is now controlled by the descendants of its founding families, although Rudolf's grandson Frank Dassler raised some eyebrows in the town by working for both Puma and Adidas.
Since 2007, Puma has been majority-owned by PPR, the French luxury goods maker that also owns Gucci.
Adidas Group is much more widely-owned, with no individual shareholder having more than 5%.
Phrasal Verbs:
"They fell out during World War II, probably over political differences."
If you fall out with someone, you argue and stop being friendly with that person.
Example:
- He hasn't seen his brother since he fell out with him 3 years ago. I think they fell out over (because of) an argument about money.
"The two companies said they were making up to support the Peace One Day organisation."
You make up with a person after you fall out with them. It means you start being friendly again after arguing with them.
Examples:
- We argue a lot but we have fun making up.
- Have you made up with your girlfriend yet? Or are you still not speaking?
"When the brothers set up their separate companies in 1948 ..."
Examples:
- He's thinking of setting up his own travel agency.
- Since setting up the business five years ago, it has gone from strength to strength.
Comments
Adi and Rudolf Dassler started making shoes in their washroom in 1920s (I think this means in the decade of 1920, okay?). Both thought in a different way, especially about policy because they were brothers. Logically, Rudolf was supporter of Adolf (Hitler) and Adi wanted to continue playing football with his shoes (Then, there weren´t football boots). Rudolf liked the war and Adi liked sport. They started their feud. They fell out and the World War began. Therefore, Adi set up Adidas and Rudolf (more aggressive) set up Puma.
But we have common things, come on! we are going to shake our hands, we are apologising each other, we are making up and we are going to set up. Then they grouped and created a big company of sports. Let bygones be bygones. Although Rudolf´s grandson Frank Dassler reaised some eyebrowns (like his grandfather Rudolf).
However, the world changes and the 2007 year isn´t the same time that 1948. Now there are other shareholders and managers.
See you.
It is strange that the descendants of the two brothers would continue the feud. I can understand rivalry between the two companies - competition is healthy for business.
Adi and Rudolf Dassler started making shoes in their washroom in 1920s (the twenties = 1920 -29). Both thought in a different way, especially about politics. Logically, Rudolf was a supporter of Adolf (Hitler) and Adi wanted to continue playing football with his shoes (Then, there weren´t football boots). Rudolf liked the war and Adi liked sport. They started their feud. They fell out during the World War. Therefore, Adi set up Adidas and Rudolf (more aggressive) set up Puma.
But they have things in common, come on! They should shake hands, apologise to each other, make up and move on.. Then they should unite and create an even bigger sports company. Let bygones be bygones. Even Rudolf´s grandson Frank Dassler reaised some eyebrowns (like his grandfather Rudolf).
However, the world changes and the year 2007 isn´t the same as 1948. Now there are other shareholders and managers.