Hainer

Mr. Hainer has clearly been asked whether Adidas will ever overtake Nike one too many times—he throws up his hands in exasperation, but answers affably nonetheless.

Adidas Aims for 2012 Gold Harriet Torry 2011

Nonetheless, Mr. Hainer says, "we won't be able to stay completely untouched" if the current uncertainty in global financial markets persists because, "if it's lasting it could unsettle consumer sentiment."

Adidas Aims for 2012 Gold Harriet Torry 2011

But they remain competitors when it comes to selling sporting goods, Mr. Hainer says.

Adidas Aims for 2012 Gold Harriet Torry 2011

Mr. Hainer says the company atmosphere has changed since he joined Adidas in 1987.

Adidas Aims for 2012 Gold Harriet Torry 2011

As the global economy slows again amid talk of a "double-dip" recession, Adidas Chief Executive Herbert Hainer seems rather relaxed.

Adidas Aims for 2012 Gold Harriet Torry 2011

Meanwhile, Adidas will start to selectively increase prices as input costs start to hit, Mr. Hainer said, as just one measure to fight the rising cost of raw materials.

Adidas Boosts Sales Outlook for Year Harriet Torry 2011

"Japan is eating into our profit," Adidas Chief Executive Herbert Hainer said on a conference call, as he warned that sales in the country could decline by 15% to 25% over the nine months from April to December, leading to a potential "significant double-digit million euro" profit hit.

Adidas Boosts Sales Outlook for Year Harriet Torry 2011

"We have made an explosive comeback in 2010, and I fully expect us to round off the year on a high," said Chief Executive Herbert Hainer.

Adidas Lifts Full-Year Forecast William Launder 2010

Adidas is also engineering its products to make them as lean as possible while maintaining quality, Mr. Hainer said.

Adidas Boosts Sales Outlook for Year Harriet Torry 2011

As for the Olympics, Mr. Hainer says the games are expected to generate £100 million in revenue for Adidas between 2008 and 2012.

Adidas Aims for 2012 Gold Harriet Torry 2011