Nike is an American multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing and worldwide marketing of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. They’re known universally for producing a wide range of sports equipment for the amateurs and the professionals. They’ve built their reputation thanks to a great marketing campaign and by sponsoring the most famous professional sportsmen. As of 2012, it employed more than 44,000 people worldwide. In 2014 the brand alone was valued at $19 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses.
1. Key partnership(s) – Is the company owned by or aligned with any other company? If so, what is the nature of this partnership, and how integrated are the companies? What is the effect of this partnership? Nike has acquired several apparel and footwear companies over the course of its history, some of which have since been sold. Its first acquisition was the upscale footwear company Cole Haan in
1988, followed by the purchase of Bauer Hockey in 1994. In 2002,
Nike bought surf apparel company Hurley International from founder Bob Hurley. In 2003, Nike paid US$309 million to acquire
Converse, makers of the Chuck Taylor All-Stars line of sneakers.
The company acquired Starter in 2004 and Umbro, known as the manufacturers of the England national football team's kit, in 2008.
In order to refocus on its core business lines, Nike began divesting of some of its subsidiaries in the 2000s. It sold Starter in 2007 and Bauer
Hockey in 2008. The company sold Umbro in 2012, and Cole Haan in
2013. As of 2013, Nike owns two key subsidiaries: Converse Inc. and
Hurley International. They’re representing a key partnership because they are references in the segment of the street wear.
Nike pays also top athletes in many sports to use their products, promote and advertise their technology and design. The company