adidas Village Opens Its Doors to First Employees

Portland, Oregon, USA, February 12, 2002 - adidas-Salomon, the world's second largest sporting goods company, opened its North American headquarters yesterday. The adidas Village, as it is called, is located 5 minutes from downtown Portland in an area undergoing a program of urban renewal.

The facility, which has been under construction since 1999, will house the North American Headquarters for adidas America and Salomon North America. It will also house the US functions for adidas-Salomon, which has its global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

"adidas-Salomon is determined to make great strides in the US market," explained Herbert Hainer, CEO adidas-Salomon. "The commitment behind the investment in the adidas Village is proof of the long-term plans we have for this region."

The 45,000 square meter site, formerly the site of Bess Kaiser Hospital, will open in two phases. In Phase I, 700 employees will move into the buildings that used to make up Bess Kaiser Hospital. This move will be completed by the end of February, and will include a three-story-parking facility. Later in the year, in Phase II, three newly constructed buildings will open across the street, giving a new home to an additional 300 employees and a fitness facility.

"Consolidating the majority of our US operations under one roof will be a major step in increasing our operational efficiency," explained Ross McMullin, President of adidas America. "However, much more than that, by bringing everyone together in the Village we are creating a sense of community both internally and externally."