27 June 2011 - (WGSN) - UK sports, outdoor and fashion brand management group Pentland rounded out an impressive fiscal year based on expansion and the success of its retail division despite the ongoing challenging economic environment.

Group sales for the 12 months to December 31jumped 14.5% to £1.3bn as operating profit lifted 38.5% to £110m. Net assets in the period increased 13.5% to £453m.

The international growth of Pentland’s brands portfolio continues, with 28% growth in wholesale sales across Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

By brand, Speedo’s launch of the new body-shaping Sculpture collection for women, and a range designed specially for Chinese consumers, contributed to a 63% sales growth. European growth was supported by new distributors in Russia and Spain.

Berghaus outdoor clothing and equipment achieved record sales with a strong performance in the UK and continuing expansion in Asia-Pacific. In Asia, it said good progress was made in Japan, China and South Korea and the brand was launched in Taiwan.

It said Lacoste footwear delivered another strong year, driven by growth in Asia and Latin America, while there was also a strong contribution from its 57% shareholding in JD Sports Fashion.

Outdoor footwear brand Brasher also achieved a record year of sales while youth fashion brand Boxfresh achieved significant growth in Europe and has launched in its first Asian market. KangaRoos footwear launched in China with 15 stores.

Pentland Group’s brand portfolio includes Speedo, Ellesse, KangaRoos, Mitre, Berghaus and Red or Dead. It also licenses Lacoste and Ted Baker footwear globally, and Kickers in the UK.　Additionally, the group has investments in Hunter Boot and Gio Goi.

Its products are available in over 170 countries, through over 600 stand-alone stores and 10,000 dedicated retail areas.

Source: WGSN