What Companies Does Nike Own: An In-Depth Look into the Sportswear Giant’s Portfolio

When you lace up your Nike sneakers, you’re tapping into a global brand with an extensive corporate family. Nike Inc., recognized worldwide for its distinctive “swoosh” logo and “Just Do It” slogan, isn’t just the parent company of the namesake athletic shoe and apparel line. You might be surprised to learn that this multinational corporation owns several other well-known companies.

Nike’s acquisitions over time have included everything from upscale designer labels to cutting-edge technology firms. These strategic purchases have helped Nike expand its reach, diversify its portfolio and stay ahead in the competitive world of sports gear, casual wear, and digital fitness solutions.

Throughout this article, we’ll delve into more detail about what companies are under Nike’s wing. Get ready to uncover the brands you love that are all part of the extended Nike family. Whether it’s high-performance gear or casual streetwear, these brands share common threads with Nike: innovation, quality design, and a deep understanding of what their customers want.

Earth’s Biggest Sportswear Label: The Nike Story

Ever wondered about the behemoth brand that is Nike? Let’s dive into the origin of this sportswear giant. Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, it wasn’t until 1971 that the company rebranded to Nike, Inc. This name change marked a new era for the company, establishing its stronghold in global sports.

The iconic swoosh logo, synonymous with Nike, was designed by Carolyn Davidson for a meager $35. Today, it’s one of the world’s most recognized symbols. But did you know that your beloved swoosh was initially met with lukewarm response from Knight? Yet he went ahead with it and now, it’s hard to imagine Nike without its signature swoosh.

Fast-forward to today – Nike dominates not just in footwear but also apparel and equipment sectors across various sports including running, basketball, soccer and more! They’ve managed to stay relevant and trendsetting due to their relentless innovation culture combined with strategic acquisitions.

Here are some key companies under Nike’s umbrella:

  • Converse: An American shoe company acquired by Nike in 2003.
  • Hurley International: A surfwear manufacturer purchased by Nike in 2002.
  • Cole Haan: A luxury brand bought by Nike in 1988 but sold off later in 2012.

These acquisitions have allowed them to expand their reach into different markets while maintaining their status as a premier sportswear label.

So what has been driving this phenomenal success story? It boils down to their branding strategy largely built on endorsements from top athletes like Michael Jordan and Serena Williams coupled with eye-catching advertising campaigns.

Now you’re well acquainted with how an Oregon-based startup grew into being THE biggest player of global sportswear industry! Keep following us for more insights on your favorite brands.

Understanding Nike’s Portfolio: Company Ownership

When you think of sportswear, Nike is probably one of the first names that pop into your head. It’s not surprising given their vast reach. But did you know that Nike’s portfolio extends beyond its iconic ‘swoosh’? Yes, indeed! Nike owns several other companies, making its business landscape far more diverse than you might realize.

Let’s start with Converse, a classic American shoe company known for its timeless sneakers. Bought by Nike in 2003 for a whopping $305 million, Converse has continued to thrive under the ownership of this global powerhouse.

Next up is Hurley International, an American multinational corporation that designs, markets and distributes surf apparel and accessories. Acquired by Nike back in 2002, Hurley was recently sold in 2019 as part of Nike’s move to focus on their core brands.

Another popular brand within the Nike family is Cole Haan. Known for stylish footwear and accessories, Cole Haan was owned by Nike from 1988 until it was sold off in 2012.

Here’s a snapshot of some notable acquisitions:

Company Year Acquired
Converse 2003
Hurley International 2002 (Sold in 2019)
Cole Haan 1988 (Sold in 2012)

So there you have it – a peek into the diverse world of brands owned by sports giant NIKE INC. While they’ve divested from some companies over time to concentrate on their key brands like Nike Air Jordan or Nike Pro, it’s evident that these strategic acquisitions have undoubtedly played an essential role in shaping what we now know as the athletic behemoth —Nike Inc.

Converse: The Vintage Icon in Nike’s Family

If you’re a fan of vintage style, you’ll likely be familiar with the iconic brand Converse. Known for its classic Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Converse has been a staple in the fashion industry since the early 20th century. But did you know that this legendary company is actually owned by Nike?

That’s right! Nike acquired Converse back in 2003 for an estimated $305 million. At the time, Converse was struggling financially and was on the brink of bankruptcy. Despite this, Nike saw potential in the brand’s timeless appeal and decided to make a strategic investment.

Since then, it’s clear that Nike’s acquisition of Converse has been beneficial for both companies. For one thing, it gave Converse access to Nike’s extensive resources, including their innovative manufacturing processes and marketing expertise.

Here are some key points about this partnership:

  • Revitalization: Post-acquisition, Nike helped revive the popularity of Converse shoes among younger consumers.
  • Innovation: With access to Nike’s resources, Converse products now feature more advanced materials and construction methods.
  • Market Expansion: Being part of the larger Nike family has allowed Converse to expand into new markets around the globe.

But don’t worry—despite these changes, your favorite Chucks still retain their classic look and feel!

As a result of this successful collaboration between two giant brands in athletic footwear industry – Nike and Converse, they’ve managed to continuously deliver high-quality products without compromising on their distinctive styles. It just goes to show how business acquisitions can lead to unexpected but fruitful synergies when done right.

So next time you lace up your Converses or slip into those comfortable Nikes remember—you’re wearing a piece of history from two iconic brands joined under one powerhouse umbrella!

Hurley International: Surfing the Waves Under Nike

When you think of surfing, it’s likely that the name “Hurley International” comes to mind. You might be surprised to learn that this iconic brand is part of Nike’s family of companies. Acquired in 2002, Hurley has been riding the waves under Nike’s ownership for nearly two decades.

Founded by Bob Hurley in 1999, this Costa Mesa, California-based company was originally a spinoff from Billabong USA. Its main focus? High-quality surf apparel and accessories designed with innovation and style at its core. Over time, Hurley expanded its product line to include skateboarding and youth lifestyle clothing – matching perfectly with Nike’s sports-oriented ethos.

Under Nike’s umbrella, Hurley continued to grow its identity within the global surf community. Its success wasn’t just down to luck; rather it was a result of passionate dedication towards creating products that resonate with consumers. The brand remained committed to pushing boundaries in sportswear design while also supporting some of world’s top professional surfers.

The partnership between Nike and Hurley proved beneficial for both parties. For Nike, acquiring Hurley meant gaining access into an industry they had yet not explored – the world of surfing – broadening their reach significantly. As for Hurley? Being owned by a multinational corporation like Nike provided financial stability and resources needed for expansion.

However, despite a fruitful relationship spanning nearly two decades, things changed in late 2019 when Nike announced it would sell off Hurley as part of its strategic move toward focusing on core business growth opportunities – which included businesses like Jordan Brand and Converse.

Even though it no longer owns it now, there is no denying that Nike played an integral role in shaping what we know today as ‘Hurley International’. It’ll always be remembered as one period among many defining moments in both brands’ histories.

Cole Haan: When Luxury Met Sportswear with Nike’s Backing

In the world of high-end footwear and accessories, you’re likely familiar with Cole Haan. But did you know, for a time, they had an unlikely ally? From 1988 to 2012, this luxury brand was owned by none other than athletic apparel giant Nike.

Nike’s acquisition of Cole Haan wasn’t just about diversity in their portfolio. Their aim was to inject sporty comfort into stylish dress shoes. To accomplish this, they integrated innovations like Nike Air technology into Cole Haan designs. The result? A line of premium shoes that didn’t compromise on style or comfort.

Even after the sale in 2012, traces of Nike’s influence remain visible in today’s Cole Haan products. For instance, the Grand.Os technology found in many current offerings is a direct descendant of the earlier Nike Air integration.

However, even within such synergy there were hurdles. One significant challenge was aligning two vastly different company cultures – Nike’s sports-centric ethos contrasted sharply with Cole Haan’s classic luxury focus.

Despite these challenges though:

  • Sales figures soared during Nike’s ownership period
  • The brand expanded globally
  • It gained popularity among younger consumers

Here are some key stats from that period:

Year Sales Figures (USD)
1988 $35 million
2006 $518 million

While it’s evident that Nike’s backing played a pivotal role in modernizing and expanding Cole Haan, it eventually sold off its stake as part of a strategy to focus on core brands. Today, while operating independently, Cole Haan continues to carry forward the legacy of innovation and design excellence fostered during its years under Nike.

Analyzing the Influence of Entity-Owned Brands on Nike’s Success

Peeling back the layers, you’ll discover that Nike’s success isn’t just built on its iconic swoosh logo or its memorable “Just Do It” slogan. There’s more to it than meets the eye. An integral part of this triumph involves the strategic acquisition and control over several subsidiary brands.

Diving into Nike’s portfolio, you’ll find Converse, a classic American shoe company, and Hurley International, a brand geared towards surf apparel and gear. These are among the major brands under Nike’s umbrella.

Now let’s delve deeper with some figures:

Brand Acquired in Notable Contribution
Converse 2003 $2 Billion revenue in 2019
Hurley International 2002 Expanded reach into surf market

It’s evident that these acquisitions have played an instrumental role in diversifying Nike’s product offerings and reaching wider demographics.

A closer look at Converse, acquired in 2003, shows how this century-old sneaker brand has added value to Nike. Its annual revenue hit $2 billion by year-end 2019 thanks to its strong foothold in urban fashion culture worldwide.

Similarly, with Hurley International joining their family in 2002, Nike managed to capture a significant chunk of extreme sports enthusiasts – particularly those enthralled by surfing culture.

In essence, owning multiple companies makes for an intelligent business move – it creates diverse income streams while simultaneously mitigating risk. For behemoths like Nike who’ve mastered this strategy, it certainly paves the way for enduring success amid stiff competition.

Note: The data mentioned above is subject to change as financial results vary year-to-year.

How Does Brand Acquisition Shape Up for Successful Outfits Like Nike?

When you’re wearing your favorite pair of Nikes, have you ever wondered about the business strategy behind this iconic brand? Strategic brand acquisitions play a significant role in shaping up successful outfits like Nike. Let’s delve into how it works.

Nike, Inc., has made some smart moves over the years to expand its realm. It’s not just about shoes; it’s also about owning brands that align with their vision and market presence. Acquisitions allow Nike to extend its influence beyond sneakers, allowing them to reach new markets and solidify their position as a global sportswear giant.

How does Nike decide which companies to acquire? There are several factors at play here. The company looks for brands that complement or supplement their existing product offerings. They are particularly interested in brands with innovative technology or unique design aspects that could be integrated into Nike products.

Here are some notable acquisitions by Nike:

  • Converse: Acquired in 2003 for $305 million.
  • Hurley International: Purchased in 2002; sold off in 2019.
  • Umbro: Bought in 2007 for $565 million; later sold off.

These acquisitions each brought interesting elements to the table. Converse, already a well-known name, allowed Nike to tap into the casual footwear market without diluting its own brand image associated with sports performance gear. Hurley provided an entryway into action sports like surfing and skateboarding, while Umbro offered exposure within soccer circles worldwide.

In conclusion, brand acquisition is more than just adding new logos under a corporation’s umbrella. It’s about making strategic choices that boost growth and enhance overall brand equity – something Nike has certainly excelled at throughout its journey on top of the athletic apparel industry.

Other Investments that Expand Beyond Footwear and Apparel for Nike

While you might associate Nike primarily with athletic footwear and apparel, their investment portfolio extends well beyond these areas. In an effort to stay on the cutting edge of technology, they’ve made significant investments in various tech companies.

Nike’s venture capital arm, Nike Valiant Labs, has been instrumental in backing several promising start-ups. Converse, a renowned brand best known for its iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars sneakers, is another notable name that falls under Nike’s umbrella. But it doesn’t stop there!

Ever heard of Hurley International? This surfwear and equipment supplier used to be a part of the Nike family too before being sold off in 2019. What about Cole Haan? You might remember this designer dress shoe company as another former subsidiary until it was divested back in 2012.

To give you a clearer picture of Nike’s investment landscape, let’s take a look at some numbers:

Company Year Acquired Year Divested
Converse 2003 N/A
Hurley International 2002 2019
Cole Haan 1988 2012

Beyond acquisitions and divestitures, Nike also invests heavily in research and development (R&D). They’re constantly striving for innovation not just in their product designs but also manufacturing techniques. For example, they’ve been exploring the use of advanced materials like Flyknit technology which minimizes waste while maximizing performance.

In addition to traditional R&D efforts, Nike Adventure Club – a sneaker subscription service for kids aged two through ten – is another innovative venture from this global giant. So, while shoes and clothes may be their bread and butter, it’s clear that Nike isn’t afraid to step outside its comfort zone when it comes to investments!

Remember: A company’s success isn’t just about what products or services they sell today; it’s also related to how well they anticipate future trends. It seems like Nike has taken this lesson to heart — continually evolving by diversifying its portfolio far beyond simple sneakers.

Going Forward: What is the Future Strategy for Companies Owned by Nike?

Let’s delve into the future strategies of companies under the vast umbrella of Nike. It’s a common belief that these businesses are poised for growth, innovation, and increased market domination.

Firstly, we need to appreciate Nike’s commitment to sustainability. This is not just talk; it’s embedded in their actions. Just look at how they’re pushing their owned companies to adopt a ‘Move to Zero’ campaign – an initiative aimed at achieving zero carbon and waste operations. You’ll also notice this green approach filtering down through brands such as Converse and Hurley.

Additionally, you can’t overlook Nike’s emphasis on digital transformation. In an era where e-commerce reigns supreme, Nike has been ramping up its digital capabilities across all its subsidiaries. The goal here? To enhance your online shopping experience while streamlining operations.

Next on the agenda is product innovation. By leveraging technology and consumer feedback, brands like Cole Haan are consistently launching products that push boundaries in style, comfort, and functionality.

Here’s a quick view into some notable areas of focus:

  • Sustainability: Aiming for zero carbon and waste
  • Digital Transformation: Enhancing e-commerce experiences
  • Product Innovation: Leveraging technology for unique offerings

Another aspect worth mentioning is how these companies aren’t being left behind when it comes to participatory culture. Brands like Jordan have been actively engaging with customers through exclusive events and online platforms – keeping you at the heart of their brand story.

But what does all this mean for you? Simply put – expect more responsible manufacturing practices, seamless online shopping experiences, innovative products tailor-made to suit your needs, and enhanced customer engagement from these companies going forward. So sit back and watch this space as they continue their journey towards setting new standards in sportswear industry!

Conclusion: Wrapping Up the World of Brands Owned by Nike

So, you’ve made it to the end. Now you’re well-versed in the impressive portfolio of brands that fall under the Nike umbrella. It’s not just about sports shoes and activewear anymore; Nike’s reach extends far beyond these boundaries.

Nike owns a handful of highly successful companies, each catering to different market segments. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Converse: Known for their iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Converse is an all-time favorite among sneaker lovers.
  • Hurley: A brand synonymous with surf culture and style, Hurley caters to millions of surfing enthusiasts worldwide.
  • Jordan Brand: This one needs no introduction. Inspired by basketball legend Michael Jordan, this brand offers premium sportswear products.

In owning such diverse brands, Nike has established its dominance in not only the sporting goods industry but also in fashion and lifestyle markets across the globe.

It’s clear that Nike isn’t just selling products — they’re selling aspirations and lifestyles. They have strategically acquired companies that align with their vision while allowing them to tap into new customer bases.

This approach has clearly worked wonders for them – they remain a leading player in global retail, proving that smart acquisitions can indeed lead to greater success.

Remember this: Behind every swoosh are countless other logos belonging to other beloved brands. And now you know which ones they are!

Thanks for joining us on this journey through the world of brands owned by Nike! Keep exploring and keep learning. You never know what fascinating facts you’ll uncover next!