The adidas Group has reported currency-neutral sales growth of 40% for the first quarter, mainly driven by the first-time consolidation of the Reebok business segment. Sales for the adidas Group excluding Reebok increased 13% on a currency-neutral basis supported by higher sales in all regions. In euro terms, group revenues grew 47% to €2.459 billion in the first quarter of 2006 from €1.674 billion in 2005. Sales for the adidas Group excluding Reebok grew 19% in euro terms to €1.988 billion from €1.674 billion in the prior year.

Currency-neutral revenues for the adidas segment increased 12%, attributable to significant increases in nearly all Sport Performance categories as well as double-digit growth in the Sport Heritage and Sport Style divisions. The Reebok segment, which was consolidated for the first time in the first quarter of 2006, contributed €454 million to sales. At TaylorMade-adidas Golf currency-neutral revenues increased 26%. This performance was driven by strong double-digit growth in all major categories and the first-time inclusion of the Greg Norman apparel business.

First quarter adidas Group sales in Europe grew 20% on a currency-neutral basis, mainly reflecting the first-time consolidation of the Reebok segment as well as increases at brand adidas. In North America, group sales during the first quarter increased 94% on a currency-neutral basis. This represents the highest first quarter growth rate since the group’s IPO in 1995. Sales in Asia increased by 28% and by 58% in Latin America.