Which company acquired Converse in 2003?

Which company acquired Converse in 2003? Nike.

Nike acquired Converse in 2003 for an estimated $305 million, bringing the historic American sneaker brand into Nike’s corporate family. Converse operates as a subsidiary of Nike, while continuing to market products under its own identity and signature brands.

The acquisition followed a difficult period for Converse. The company had lost its dominance in athletic footwear as competitors introduced newer materials, cushioning systems, and performance designs. Converse filed for bankruptcy in January 2001, and its remaining U.S. manufacturing plants closed that same year as production moved overseas.

Nike’s purchase helped preserve and expand Converse’s lifestyle appeal. The Chuck Taylor All Star remained the central product, while Converse also continued developing lines such as Jack Purcell, One Star, and Weapon. The deal did not turn Chuck Taylors into Nike Air Force 1s or merge the brands into one sneaker label; Converse kept its separate name, visual identity, and product range.