Football boot brand Puma is looking forward to a bumper 2008 following the release of its 2007 sales figures.

Although 2007 contributed little in the way of global sporting events, the german based company successfully strengthened its positioning as a desirable sportlifestyle brand, which is well reflected in the improved gross profit margin.

In 2007, worldwide brand sales were up 3.4% currency adjusted, amounting to € 2.7 billion. On a comparable basis, consolidated sales climbed by 4.7% to € 2.4 billion. The gross profit margin jumped by 170 basis points to over 52%, and operating profit was above last year’s, totalling € 372.0 million. Earnings per share increased from € 16.39 to € 16.80.

Jochen Zeitz, CEO stated: “Although Puma faced a challenging year, we did not only meet most of our expectations in 2007, but even exceeded them in many points. Puma had an excellent and successful start into the extraordinary sports year 2008 by winning the African Cup of Nations through Egypt’s win, securing a strong brand visibility on the pitch as the leading equipment supplier. We are determined to make use of all opportunities and chances that offer further growth and we will continue to invest and to strengthen the brand’s as well as the company’s desirability in the long run.”

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