Most of you should, by now, be aware of the history behind the brands Puma and Adidas – two companies that were one, before the Dassler brothers split it in two. If you want to know more about it, I strongly advise you read the book Pitch Invasion.

But now, 60 years after their founders went their seperate ways, the two companies are uniting to celebrate “One Peace Day.”

It will be a historic hand shake: 60 years after the brothers Rudolf and Adi Dassler went their separate ways to found PUMA and adidas, the two companies will shake hands for the first time. In support of Peace Day on 21 September, PUMA and adidas joined up to create awareness for a day of ceasefire and non-violence. As a sign of amicable cooperation, employees of both companies will play football together on Peace Day, 21 September.

Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA, said: “We are uniting on this day as a commitment to Peace Day. Our common goal being that our collaboration today will help create awareness for the day. Kofi Annan once said that individuals can make a difference and collectively we can make a major contribution. I believe that is the case also for companies. And our unity, in support of Peace Day, is a small step in a positive direction as well as an expression of the united power of sport in a world which we are all responsible for.”

Aaah…YOU GUYS!!!!!

[hugs]

[draws knife]

[stabs]

[Looks down at the body, shakes head and quips, “Puh, oldest trick in the book”]

[walks away, as everything explodes behind him]

[he doesn’t look back]

[because, after all, cool guys don’t look at explosions]

But seriously, I’m very impressed at what these guys are doing. Well done to both sides.

Find out more about Peace One Day here.