Finnish sports brand Amer Sports has reported a 32% increase in net sales to €1,363.7 million for 2005 compared with €1,035.9 million in 2004. Salomon, which was recently acquired by Amer Sports, increased net sales by 25%.

According to CEO Roger Talermo, The Fitness Equipment Division had another successful year. Net sales rose by 20% to €252.1 million. Net sales growth was fuelled primarily by direct sales to major commercial customers, and the company’s increased ability to deliver a ‘Total Product’ that addresses commercial facilities’ business needs. Growth significantly outpaced that of the industry.”

Team Sports performed well and posted record earnings. Net sales rose by 10% to €203.8 million. Of the product groups, sales growth was seen particularly in baseball and softball bats. Racquet Sports also broke all its previous earnings records. Its net sales rose by 7% to €225.4 million. Wilson’s sales of tennis rackets were up 9%. Wilson’s share of the global tennis racket market was 37%.

In the Golf Division, net sales declined by 4% as tough competition on the global golf equipment market continued.

Atomic’s net sales rose by 4% to €214 million. A total of 873,000 pairs of alpine skis were delivered in 2005. Atomic’s share of the world's alpine ski market was about 19%. Sports Instruments’ net sales were down 7% to €72 million. Suunto implemented an organisational change and new management stepped in.

Salomon’s Q4 net sales amounted to €255.2 million. The bicycle component manufacturer Mavic, which is part of Salomon, continued to enjoy good sales, rising 10% in 2005.