adidas Group acquires Runtastic

The adidas Group and runtastic GmbH last week announced that adidas AG has acquired all outstanding shares of runtastic GmbH. The transaction values Runtastic at an enterprise value of € 220 million. In line with the Group’s strategic business plan ‘Creating the New’, this acquisition reinforces the adidas Group’s commitment to inspire and enable athletes of all levels to harness the power of sport in their lives. Runtastic’s vision for 2020 that every individual lives a more aware and active lifestyle leading to a longer, happier life means the adidas Group has found a perfect partner that fully understands the potential of the convergence of sport, digital and data in an always connected and always on-demand world. 

The adidas brand was the first in the industry to comprehensively bring data analytics to the athlete. With decades of continuous investment in sports science, sensor technology, wearables and digital communication platforms, there is no other sports company that has done more to innovate sports and change the game through technology. adidas’ variety of digitally enabled products such as balls, wrist devices, apparel, shoes, web and phone apps goes unmatched. No other sports company has the diversity of sports and fitness activity coverage and understanding of data related to athletes’ physiology and motion in play – from pro athletes, world record holders, professional sports and college teams to athletes of all levels right down to kids in gym class.

Combining Runtastic’s and the adidas Group’s capabilities brings the adidas Group in a prime position to unleash its knowledge of sport. Runtastic’s fast pace, dynamism and high energy will speed up the adidas Group’s ability to reach both partners’ combined vision to make sport inspiring and part of everyone’s lives – creating unexpected sports experiences that will resonate and clearly stand out in a crowded and constantly changing landscape.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Pasching near Linz, Austria, Runtastic has shown tremendous growth in a short period of time. With more than 140 million downloads and around 70 million registered users, Runtastic has a strong and unique industry position. Available in 18 languages, Runtastic is already one of the most diverse global players in the health and fitness app market, operating a multi-app strategy with over 20 apps covering a wide variety of endurance, health and fitness activities. Through a highly engaged and active user base, the company has already established solid revenue and earnings streams. With high user satisfaction, an impressive pipeline of innovative concepts and relentless speed to market, momentum is expected to remain robust in the coming years.

With 50.1% ownership, Axel Springer SE through its subsidiary Axel Springer Digital Ventures GmbH was the major shareholder of runtastic GmbH. Other main shareholders were Austrian business angel Dr. Johann Hansmann and company founders Florian Gschwandtner, Alfred Luger, René Giretzlehner and Christian Kaar who will continue to run Runtastic within the adidas Group.

«Digital technologies are providing new capabilities and insights to help athletes of all levels take control of their sporting destiny – whether improving their performance, sharing their experiences, or creating their own great social moments of sport», commented Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group. «This investment will add considerable value on our journey to deliver new world-class sports experiences. In addition, it offers the opportunity to grow a highly engaged athlete user base and leverage the power of our broad product portfolio. Therefore, I am very happy to welcome Runtastic’s passionate employees and their 70 million active athletes and sports lovers to the adidas Group family».

The adidas Group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, offering a broad portfolio of footwear, apparel and hardware for sport and lifestyle around the core brands adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and Reebok-CCM Hockey. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, the Group employs more than 53,000 people across the globe and generated sales of € 14.5 billion in 2014.

Runtastic founded in 2009, Runtastic has rapidly grown its innovative suite of apps, products and services that track and manage health and fitness data to motivate individuals to get in shape, stay healthy, live better, live longer and enjoy life. With more than 140 million downloads and around 70 million registered users, Runtastic’s mobile applications track distance, speed, pace, duration, heart rate, calorie consumption and route travelled (via maps) when running, biking or engaging in other exercise activities.

The results can then be viewed directly within the app, via Runtastic GPS devices or on Runtastic.com, where users can view their online training log, get detailed data analysis, coaching, share and compare with others. Headquartered in Linz, Austria, the company employs more than 140 people globally.