Nike Acquires Umbro to Battle Adidas on the Soccer Field

Nike has bought British sports brand Umbro for £285m in an attempt to strengthen its position on the football pitch (soccer field for American fans). The Telegraph reports:

Despite the relatively small size of the deal, Umbro sportswear and equipment is sold in more than 90 countries. As well as making the England kit, Umbro provides playing and training football kit for the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Norway national teams.

It provides the kit for six Premier League teams and over 100 other professional teams globally. Umbro advertising campaigns have featured England players John Terry and Michael Owen. According to Nike the acquisition of Umbro would significantly expand its “global leadership in football.”

Maybe it would help if my boys in blue switched to Nike from Adidas... they're struggling this year.