LANCASTER sportswear company Reebok could earn some stripes - if a proposed takeover by rivals Adidas goes through.

The sports giants aim to create a company to challenge American giants Nike in the profitable US market.

Reebok have a main office on the city's Moor Lane and a site on Morecambe's White Lund estate. They also have a store on the promenade at Morecambe.

The takeover bid still needs to be approved by Reebok shareholders and competition authorities but, if cleared, will be completed early next year.

Reebok's shares rose sharply after the takeover talks were announced.

The combined group will have world-wide athletic footwear sales of £12bn, according to Adidas.

The list of celebrities promoting Adidas includes football star David Beckham and singer Missy Elliott.

Jobs in the area are unlikely to be affected if the takeover goes through.