Mizuno's European sales improved by 7.5 percent for the nine months until the end of December, with robust sales of running and indoor sports shoes. The rise contributed to an increase of 7.4 percent for the entire group's turnover to ¥143.7 billion (€1,099.1m-$1,230.6m) for the nine months. Sales advanced by 12.9 percent in the Americas, as sales of performance running footwear in North America made up for sluggishness in Brazil, and Mizuno estimates that it gained market share in golf. Japanese sales gained 3.5 percent, despite weak sales of winter wear, and the group's turnover climbed by 23.3 percent for other parts of Asia and Oceania. However, operating income dropped by 22.7 percent to ¥2,452 million (€18.8m-$21.0m) and net income slipped by 5.8 percent to ¥2,261 million (€17.3m-$19.4m). Mizuno estimates that its net profit will drop by 25.2 percent to ¥2,500 million (€19.1m-$21.4m) on sales of ¥197 billion (€1,506.8m-$1,686.9m) for its full fiscal year until the end of March, which would be an increase of about 5.3 percent. More details in the next issue of SGI Europe.

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