Erima, the German team sports apparel specialist, enjoyed a sales increase of 8 percent last year to reach sales of more than €43 million. Previously controlled by Adidas, the company’s growth accelerated since it was fully taken over by its general manager, Wolfram Mannherz, last year. Erima says sales have increased due to consistent investments to position the brand as a specialist in team sports –instead of competing head-on with larger sports apparel companies that have a broader product range. However, last year Erima introduced its first range of tennis clothing, to be followed this year by track and field and running apparel. Part of the sales growth has been achieved through investments in marketing campaigns targeted at sports clubs with specific offerings. Football, handball and volleyball enjoyed the strongest gains, along with women’s products.