Adidas has struck an agreement to purchase Reebok.

Adidas boss Herbert Hainer said that the deal “represents a major strategic milestone for our group”. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine two of the most respected and well-known companies in the worldwide sporting goods industry”, said Mr Hainer.

Nike is now going to have a serious rival. Because of the global nature of the business, and the fact that even combined they are still smaller than Nike is, there should not be much of an anti-trust issue.

I do not have a problem with Adidas buying Reebok (except that I don’t own any shares, of course…), and see nothing wrong with giving Nike a challenge. Normally, I like seeing the little guy prosper, and none of them are little guys. I don’t use any of their shoe products from any of the companies, but I hope that it results in cheaper products being available all around. Shoes cost too much money.