In an unusual statement, Pentland Group reports a sales increase of 11 percent to £1,044 million (€1,211m-$1,722m). The operating profit crept up by 1 percent to £68.1 million (€79.0m-$112.4m). Net assets grew by 14 percent to £380 million (€441m-$627m).
No breakdown was given for the company’s individual operations. Pentland singled out the performance of Speedo last year, when it got significant exposure at the Beijing Olympics. Swimmers wearing its LZR Racer suit, including Michael Phelps with his eight golds, won 94 percent of the medals there.
Pentland noted that Berghaus held its leading position in the British market and launched in Asia, while its licensed Lacoste footwear line continued developing its leading position globally.
The company also got a boost from its 57 percent stake in the U.K. retailer JD Sports Fashion, which had a strong performance in its fiscal year ended Jan. 31.
