Share

adidas has announced it has ended its Yeezy partnership with Kanye West as it does not tolerate antisemitism or any other sort of hate speech, however the decision could result in a EUR250m loss on net income given the fourth quarter is the season for festive gifting.

Adidas said: “After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately, end production of Yeezy branded products and stop all payments to Ye and his companies. Adidas will stop the adidas Yeezy business with immediate effect.”

The company added: “This is expected to have a short-term negative impact of up to EUR250m on the company’s net income in 2022 given the high seasonality of the fourth quarter.”

Adidas has made the decision to take the hit financially as it is keen to show consumers that Ye’s (Kanye West’s) recent antisemitism-based comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.

Adidas is the sole owner of all design rights to existing products as well as previous and new colourways under the partnership.

Adidas said more information will be given as part of the company’s upcoming Q3 earnings announcement on 9 November 2022.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

GlobalData apparel analyst Darcey Jupp told Just Style exclusively this was a good move for the brand.

She said: “Adidas’ decision to put its company values ahead of its successful Yeezy partnership will be beneficial to the sportswear giant in the long run, even if its financials are strained in the near future.”

She pointed out that consumers are becoming more aware of fashion brands’ ethical impact on society, and are willing to cease shopping at particular brands and retailers if they prove to support damaging practices and individuals.

Nevertheless, she added: “Adidas is already in a precarious financial position, with both profits and revenue slipping amid various macroeconomic challenges and its lack of competitiveness in the sportswear market, so the estimated short term negative impact of up to EUR250m on FY2022 net income will be a hard pill to swallow for Adidas.“ 

Last week Adidas posted a 4% increase in currency-neutral revenues for the third quarter, however the German sporting company lowered its full year 2022 guidance.

Today’s announcement follows the company becoming the subject of a week of civil action and protests globally over its “refusal” to take responsibility for workers’ rights in its supply chain.