Nike

Established in January of 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in Oregon, United States of America, Nike has grown into and International company represented in 170 countries, with over 30,000 employees, and owning a dozen brands.

Nike’s mission statement says: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”. According to co-founder Bill Bowerman, that means everyone, according to what he once said, “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” Nike, Inc. is concerned with the development, design and marketing of footwear, equipment, apparel and accessories. Their products are sold through retail accounts and the Internet, as well as various independent distributors around the world. Wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nike are Cole Haan, Hurley International LLC, Nike Golf, Converse Inc., and Umbro Ltd. Nike, Inc continuously aims to generate high returns by optimizing its portfolio.

Nike, Inc. has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange as a common stock since 17 October 1990, under the symbol NKE. The company is recognized world-wide for its trademark logo of a tick-mark (referred to as a "swoosh") and the words "Just do it!"