Update: Adidas officially announced that they are looking to sell off Reebok, 15 years after they acquired the Boston-based sports brand. It remains to be seen who will take over Reebok and, until we know it, the future strategy of the brand is up in the air.
a comeback of Reebok to football is unlikely in the near future
In fact, Reebok focused on the women's and fitness sector in the past few years, so a comeback in football seems to be unlikely. The reports about a Reebok deal with Roma turned out to be wrong.
Fake News? Italian Newspaper Reported About Possible Reebok AS Roma Kit Deal
In quite shocking news, it was revealed by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport that Reebok could become the new AS Roma kit maker next season, replacing Nike. This follows on some recent news that Reebok could be sold by its owner, Adidas. We take a look at the full story.
Reebok was not always owned by Adidas, as you surely know. The company was founded in 1895 in Bolton, Lancashire, England. In August 2005, Adidas declared its intention to buy Reebok for $3.8 billion (US$). The takeover was completed with partnership in January 2006.
SURPRISE: Roma to Sign Reebok Kit Deal?
SURPRISE: Roma to Sign Reebok Kit Deal?
Reebok ultimately left the football market in 2012
In 2005, Reebok sponsored Liverpool, Bolton, Manchester City and West Ham. Adidas took over the brand's Liverpool deal, while Reebok's last made football kits in 2011-12 (Bolton Wanderers & Köln).
Reebok's last football kits
Adidas To Present Company's New Strategy & Decision About Reebok In March 2021
The first rumors that Adidas wants to sell Reebok again emerged in October, while Adidas confirmed its plans to sell Reebok in mid-December 2020.
Adidas may choose to retain control of the Boston-based brand
Adidas said that it has “begun to assess strategic alternatives for Reebok”, with divestment being one option. No final decision on the future of the Reebok brand has been made by Adidas yet and that it may choose to retain control of the Boston-based brand.
“A decision will be announced on March 10 2021, when the company’s new strategy is officially presented,” it said.
In 2019, Reebok generated around €1.75bn in sales — less than 8 per cent of Adidas’ overall revenue. In 2007, Reebok generated nearly a quarter of Adidas' overall revenue.
Media reports in October suggested the sale of Reebok could Adidas earn around $2 billion, or barely half of what Adidas paid for it 15 years ago.
Master P And Baron Davis In Talks To Buy Reebok?
Some days ago, a report by Forbes revealed that hip-hop mogul Master P and former NBA All-Star Baron Davis are in talks to buy Reebok. The duo could acquire the iconic brand from Adidas for $2.4 billion USD.
Speaking to Forbes, Master P said, “As we focus on turning Reebok into a lifestyle brand not just a basketball brand, our most important initiative will be to put money back into the community that built this company.”
Would you like Reebok to return to football? Comment below.