Nike, Inc. (ˈnaɪkiː) is an American
multinational corporation that is engaged in the design, development and worldwide marketing and selling of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services. The company is headquartered near
Beaverton, Oregon, in the
Portland metropolitan area, and is one of only two
Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Oregon. It is one of the world's largest suppliers of
athletic shoes and
apparel and a major manufacturer of
sports equipment, with revenue in excess of US$24.1 billion in its fiscal year 2012 (ending May 31, 2012). As of 2012, it employed more than 44,000 people worldwide. The brand alone is valued at $10.7 billion, making it the most valuable brand among sports businesses.
The company was founded on January 25, 1964 as
Blue Ribbon Sports by
Bill Bowerman and
Phil Knight, and officially became Nike, Inc. on May 30, 1978. The company takes its name from
Nike (Greek
Νίκη, pronounced nǐːkɛː), the Greek goddess of victory. Nike markets its products under its own brand, as well as Nike Golf, Nike Pro,
Nike+,
Air Jordan,
Nike Skateboarding, and subsidiaries including
Cole Haan,
Hurley International,
Umbro and
Converse. Nike also owned Bauer Hockey (later renamed
Nike Bauer) between 1995 and 2008. In addition to manufacturing sportswear and equipment, the company operates retail stores under the Niketown name. Nike sponsors many high-profile athletes and sports teams around the world, with the highly recognized trademarks of "Just Do It" and the
Swoosh logo.