French luxury goods group PPR says Puma boost sales

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

PARIS (AFP) — PPR, the French luxury goods empire, said on Thursday that second-quarter sales had risen by 18.1 percent to 4.793 euros on a 12-month comparison, driven by its acquisition of German sportsgear maker Puma.

Sales grew by 5.6 percent from the equivalent figure last year on a comparable basis, lifted by strong demand for its luxury goods products.

Analysts at Thomson Financial had expected a turnover of 4.438 billion euros.

The Gucci division, which also includes Yves Saint Laurent and other brands, posted sales of 836.5 million euros, up 7.7 percent overall and up 13.5 percent on a like for like basis.

Sales at the Redcats mass market business, including La Redoute mail order service, fell by 1.4 percent to 1.059 billion euros, a 4.2...