Unbeknownst to me, Adidas and Puma were in fact a single brand many moons ago. The two companies were formed in 1948 after Rudolf and Adolf Dassler fell out during World War II and split up their business — once a provider of shoes to legendary US sprinter Jesse Owens (AFP). The rivalry even divided the firm’s home town of Herzogenaurach, a small town of 23,000 people in southern Germany, where Adidas and Puma have rival factories on opposite sides of the river.

In an interesting an inspiring statement to the press yesterday, the chief executive officer of Adidas, Herbert Hainer nobly stated, “We are strongly convinced that sport can bring people together.” In an unprecedented move, employees of both companies have agreed to meet up, shake hands and play a friendly game of football. Although rivals in the world of business, the people behind the companies have come together to celebrate their life and work. Super dope. Communication heals all.