Adidas and Puma Make Peace on Field

• BBC, Tuesday, September 22, 2009 3:30 PM

The longstanding feud between Adidas and Puma, companies started by rival brothers 60 years ago, simmered down with friendly soccer game. Employees of both companies shook hands and played a match in the Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach, where both are based. The match represented the first joint activity held by the two companies since 1948, when Adi and Rudolf Dassler left their shared business and started two rival firms.

The split of the Dassler's company also split the town, as residents proclaimed loyalty to one or the other of the only major employers. The game was held in support of the Peace One Day organization, which had its annual non-violence day on Monday, and ended 7-5. Teams were mixed with staff from both companies. Adidas boss Herbert Hainer played as a striker for the winning team, which also included Puma chief Jochen Zeitz in goal.

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