Salomon, the newly-acquired winter and outdoor sports division of Amer Sports, has launched a three-year turn-around programme aimed at ensuring its future competitiveness.

The turn-around programme includes a reorganisation of Salomon operations and the cancellation of up to 400 positions, mainly in France. Other measures include a reallocation of the production of Salomon skis and Atomic ski boots. Amer Sports expects to realise annual cost-savings in excess of €40 million by the end of 2008.

The cost of the Salomon reorganisation, resulting from the staff reductions, integration and other measures, is estimated at approximately €50 million.

"These measures are absolutely necessary in order to ensure our competitiveness and build a base for future growth. We will do our utmost to help the people departing our company to find new jobs," said Jean-Luc Diard, president of Salomon.