HERZOGENAURACH (dpa-AFX) - In the wake of allegations of corruption at the sporting goods manufacturer Adidas in China, two employees have left the company. The investigation is ongoing, said a spokeswoman for the company in Herzogenaurach on Wednesday. Evidence had been found "that one employee had violated the company's code of conduct in his interactions with local suppliers." Another employee had not met the company's expectations in terms of management behavior.

According to Adidas, the company received an anonymous letter on June 7 that pointed out possible violations of rules and incorrect management behavior in China. According to the spokesperson, Adidas is investigating these allegations together with independent external consultants. She did not provide any further details. Bloomberg had previously reported that two employees in China had left the company.

According to the Financial Times, the anonymous letter is said to come from within the company's own workforce and incriminate several Adidas employees, including a member of a higher management level. The employees are said to have received reimbursements from external service providers./igl/DP/jha