FRANKFURT — Adidas, the world’s second-biggest maker of sporting goods, said Thursday that it expects record soccer sales of more than $2 billion this year, boosted by the European championships in Ukraine and Poland.
‘‘Adidas is leading the way at UEFA Euro 2012 in every respect — in terms of product sales, brand visibility, and innovative strength,’’ chief executive Herbert Hainer said. ‘‘Adidas can already be sure of defending its title as the most successful football brand in Europe and the world.’’
Soccer accounts for more than 17 percent of revenue at Adidas, which said in April that total sales will rise almost 10 percent this year.
Adidas, which owns Reebok in Canton, Mass., is defending its soccer leadership against Nike, which has a goal to surpass the company as the sport’s biggest brand. Adidas controls about a third of a market it estimates is worth $6.3 billion a year. I
Adidas is sponsoring six teams at the tournament, including favorites Spain and Germany. It is one of 12 official sponsors of the event.