Puma is a German brand founded in 1948 in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany. It is owned by Kering S.A. — a French luxury goods conglomerate. India operations are managed by Puma Sports India Private Limited.
Puma Brand Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Brand Name | Puma |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Origin | Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany |
| Founder | Rudolf Dassler |
| Global Owner | Kering S.A. (France) — holds majority stake |
| India Entity | Puma Sports India Private Limited |
| India Since | 2005 |
| Products | Footwear, apparel, accessories for sports and lifestyle |
| Known For | Formstrip logo, collaborations with fashion designers |
| India Market | Consistently among top 3 sportswear brands in India |
The Origin Story — A Famous Family Feud
Puma’s origin story is one of the most dramatic in business history — rooted in a bitter family feud between two brothers. Rudolf Dassler and his brother Adolf Dassler co-founded a shoe company in 1924 in the small German town of Herzogenaurach. The company was enormously successful — their shoes were worn by Jesse Owens at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
However, during and after World War II, the brothers had an irreparable falling out. In 1948, they split the company permanently. Adolf Dassler kept the original company and renamed it Adidas — using a combination of his nickname “Adi” and his surname “Dassler.” Rudolf Dassler founded a rival company and named it Puma — using a puma cat as his logo.
The two brothers’ split was so bitter that their rivalry divided the entire town of Herzogenaurach — residents had to choose which brand they supported, and most families worked for either Adidas or Puma. The two companies became global rivals, headquartered on opposite sides of the same river.
Puma grew into one of the world’s most recognised sportswear brands — particularly strong in football, motorsport, and lifestyle fashion. The brand entered India in 2005 and quickly built one of the country’s largest sportswear presences.
Puma in India
Puma India has been particularly aggressive — partnering with Indian cricket, investing in Indian athletes, and positioning itself as both a performance sports and lifestyle fashion brand. India has been one of Puma’s fastest-growing global markets.
Puma Sports India Private Limited manages all operations locally, with Abhishek Ganguly having served as a key leadership figure in building Puma’s India business.
Final Verdict
Puma is a German brand with majority ownership by France’s Kering group. It is not an Indian brand — but its deep Indian market investment and presence make it a major player in Indian sportswear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Puma an Indian brand?
A: No. Puma is a German brand founded in 1948 by Rudolf Dassler, currently majority-owned by Kering S.A. of France.
Q: Who founded Puma?
A: Rudolf Dassler — who split from his brother Adolf Dassler (founder of Adidas) in 1948.
Q: Are Puma and Adidas related?
A: Yes — both were founded by the Dassler brothers in Germany. The brothers had a bitter feud and each started a separate company.
Q: Who owns Puma globally?
A: Kering S.A. — a French luxury goods group — holds a majority stake in Puma.
Q: When did Puma enter India?
A: 2005 — through Puma Sports India Private Limited.
Q: Is Puma or Adidas bigger in India?
A: Both are among India’s top sportswear brands, with intense competition. Puma has been particularly aggressive in the Indian market through sports partnerships and lifestyle positioning.