Germany’s most successful club, Bayern Munich, and adidas have opened a new chapter in their 50-year-long partnership. They have announced the extension of their deal through to 2020.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of Bayern Munich, said:

“We’re delighted that the decades-long partnership between FC Bayern and adidas, which has always been characterized by mutual trust and respect, will continue for a further period of at least eight years.

There is no better partner than adidas.”

adidas is also a stakeholder of the club, they acquired its shares in 2002 and the money was used to help finance the Allianz Arena.

Rummenigge added that the relations between Bayern and adidas go far beyond a conventional sponsorship arrangement. He said:

“These have been 50 years of trust and it has grown into a partnership between friends.”

Club president, Uli Hoeneß, agreed by saying:

“It’s more than just a business relationship. There is a powerful bond, and friendships have been formed too.

You can always talk to adidas and Herbert Hainer (chairman of the adidas group). That’s my understanding of a true partnership, and that’s what it’s genuinely been in practice.”

Herbert Hainer also expressed his delight in working with Bayern, he said:

“[An association of this length is] unique in football. It is founded on trust and mutual support. I’m delighted and proud we’re adding another chapter to this 50-year success story.”

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