Just had to write my thoughts here.
I climb and ride, and my personal opinion on the purchase is on the positive side. This deal is just like any other acquisitions in the outdoor industry. The smaller company still retains it's identity (think Mountain Hardwear being bought by Columbia), continues to operate on some level 'autonomously'; unique R&D, although Adidas will utilize some Stealth formulas for other shoes they make e.g. basketball, and other operations. More money for expansion, exposure, more sponsorship for athletes; not just in climbing and/or mountain biking.
And with the Stealth rubber formula thing, there isn't a patent. It's in Charles Cole's head.
I climb and ride, and my personal opinion on the purchase is on the positive side. This deal is just like any other acquisitions in the outdoor industry. The smaller company still retains it's identity (think Mountain Hardwear being bought by Columbia), continues to operate on some level 'autonomously'; unique R&D, although Adidas will utilize some Stealth formulas for other shoes they make e.g. basketball, and other operations. More money for expansion, exposure, more sponsorship for athletes; not just in climbing and/or mountain biking.
And with the Stealth rubber formula thing, there isn't a patent. It's in Charles Cole's head.