Arena
Descente (per Wikipedia; later changes not verified) · France
Arena is a competitive swimwear and swim equipment brand founded in 1973 by Horst Dassler, son of Adidas founder Adolf Dassler. Wikipedia lists Descente of Japan as its owner since 1990.
| Founded | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Horst Dassler |
| Owner | Descente (bought from Adidas in 1990) |
| Headquarters | Tolentino, Italy |
| Segment | Lingerie, swimwear and hosiery |
| Website | arenasport.com |
What is Arena?
Arena is a swimwear brand focused on competitive swimming. It was founded in 1973 by Horst Dassler, the son of Adidas founder Adolf Dassler. Its first line, the Skinfit of 1973, was described as weighing 18 grams, and the brand signed its first sponsored athlete, the Australian swimmer Shane Gould, in 1974.
History
Wikipedia notes technical milestones including the Flyback suit in the 1980s, the AquaRacer in 1990 and the X-Flat in 1997. Descente, a Japanese company, bought Arena from Adidas in 1990. In 2019 Arena bought the global brand rights to the Italian swimwear label Diana. Wikipedia gives the company's headquarters as Tolentino, Italy.
Products and positioning
The brand's current website presents swimwear and equipment for racing, training, triathlon, open water and fitness, as well as a beach offer.
- Swimwear: women's, men's and kids' suits, racing suits, jammers and rash guards, including the Powerskin line
- Equipment: goggles, caps, fins and training tools
- Apparel and bags: team apparel, sweatshirts, jackets, bags and towels
Business model and distribution
Wikipedia describes subsidiaries in France, Germany and the United States and a network of distributors and licensees in over 100 countries. The official site has regional storefronts across Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Americas and Asia.
Why it matters
Arena is one of the main performance swimwear names alongside Speedo and is closely tied to elite swimming sponsorship. Its country of origin is shown here as France following the list provided, while the company is headquartered in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Arena?
According to Wikipedia, the Japanese company Descente bought Arena from Adidas in 1990. More recent ownership changes are not covered by the sources used.
Is Arena a swimwear brand?
Yes. Arena makes competitive swimwear, goggles and training equipment, and sells apparel for swimming, triathlon and fitness.