Nike (NYSE: NKE): Shares of the largest maker of athletic shoes and apparel were up more than 5% yesterday, within spitting distance of their 52-week high.

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Founded in 1949 as a maker of basketball shoes in Kobe, Japan, Asics's sales are smaller than a global heavyweights like Nike, and it has become increasingly reliant on low-cost manufacturing partners in other parts of Asia to compete.

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Founded in 1949 as a maker of basketball shoes in Kobe, Japan, Asics's sales are smaller than global heavyweights like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and it has become increasingly reliant on low-cost manufacturing partners in other parts of Asia to compete.

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Asics evolved into a general sporting goods maker, selling skiing, baseball, swimming and golf products, and scored notable success with its running shoes, putting out a well-regarded line of high-end trainers and racing shoes.

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