The Pentland Group reported 17.3 percent rise in sales in its year ended
Dec. 31, to £1.5 billion ($2.3 bn) in 2011, Drapers reports. The gain
for the owner of brands such as Speedo, Berghaus and Boxfresh was fueled
by a strong performance in international markets.
Operating
profit was down 8.2 percent to £101 million ($157.2 mm), which the
company attributed to the cost of investments in new markets. Pre-tax profit surged 17.5 percent to £114 million ($177.4 mm).
Retail revenues rose 18 percent to £1.035 billion ($1.6 bn), which
includes £122 million ($189.8 mm) from businesses it bought during the
year. Pentland Group
also has a 57 percent stake in U.K. chain, JD Sports. Revenue from
other businesses, such as brands Boxfresh, Kickers and Red or Dead, rose
15 percent to £497 million ($773.4 mm), with record sales achieved from Lacoste and
Ted Baker.
Pentland Brand's Chief Executive Andy Rubin told Drapers that the UK was “doing well”
for the group, thanks to strong performances from Speedo and footwear
from Lacoste and Ted Baker, which achieved record sales for 2011.
“We've had strong growth in Asia and North and South America. China has
entered our top 10 markets, and the BRIC markets are starting to be more
significant to our business,” Rubin stated.
