U.S. antitrust authorities are reportedly creating obstacles to Jarden Corporation's plans to increase its stake in the Rossignol Group. Meanwhile, Jarden reports that its Outdoor Solutions segment enjoyed a 25.3 percent increase in operating earnings to $50.0 million in the first quarter of 2011 on 10.3 percent higher sales of $677.5 million. Organically, sales were up by 6 percent. The management said higher gross margins were achieved mainly through new product introductions, efficiencies in the supply chain and procurement functions, and contributions from acquisitions completed in 2010, such as that of Aero Group. Abu Garcia, Berkley, Coleman, K2, Marker, Marlot, Rawlings, Shakespeare, Völkl and Zoot are among the brands covered by this segment. All in all, Jarden's total revenues grew by 25 percent to $1,483 million in the quarter, helping the group to reach net income of $19.0 million against a loss of $59.0 million in the same quarter a year ago.

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