1949
The foundation
18 August - adidas is registered as a company, named after its founder: 'Adi' from Adolf and 'Das' from Dassler.
50s
The 'Miracle of Bern'
1954 - The 'Miracle of Bern' Germany battle Hungary with a competitive advantage. They are wearing adidas soccer boots which for the first time feature removable studs.
60s
Higher
Driven by a desire to help all athletes committed to performance, adidas manufactures equipment for what some consider "fringe sports". Unconventional high jumper Dick Fosbury launches himself up and over in adidas footwear.
70s
The "adidas" team wins
Crowning moment: Franz Beckenbauer, the "Kaiser", raising the World Cup in victory salute. Germany had just beaten Holland 2-1 in the 1974 final.
80s
The transition
After Adi Dassler's death, Adi's wife Käthe, his son Horst, and his daughters carry on the business.
1995
adidas goes public
Flotation of the company on the Frankfurt and Paris Stock Exchange.
1996
A splendid year
The "three-stripes company" equips 6,000 Olympic athletes from 33 countries. adidas athletes win 220 medals, including 70 gold. Apparel sales increase 50%.
2005
Sale of Salomon
The Salomon Group (including Salomon, Mavic, Bonfire, Cliché and Arc’Teryx) is being sold to Amer Sports in October 2005. The new adidas Group is focusing even more on its core strength in the athletic footwear and apparel market as well as the growing golf category. The legal name of the company will change to “adidas AG” in May/June 2006.
