Adidas is a Euro 2008 champion, says chairman
According to adidas chairman and CEO, Herbert Hainer, the company has been successful in the lead up to, and early stages of, the Euro 2008 championships. He said: "For adidas, the UEFA Euro 2008 has already proven to be a great success. We have succeeded in carrying on the momentum of the World Cup which took place in our home country and further expanding our market leadership position in the global football business. This means – to use a sporting analogy – we have not only made it through to the next round, we are already a clear European Championship winner."
Compared with the last European Championship year (2004), adidas brand football sales have risen by more 50%, with all regions and product categories contributing to this growth. Compared with to the 2006 World Cup year, global sales of football products are up at a double-digit percentage rate.
The company claims its market share at 40% (38% in 2006) is larger than both its closest competitors put together. In Germany and North America, its football market share is more than 50%.
As official sponsor, supplier and licensee of the tournament, adidas supplies the official ball of the tournament and equips officials, referees, volunteers and ball boys. It also outfits the national teams of Germany, France, Spain, Romania and defending champion Greece as well as more than 100 individual players at the championships.
