Italian manufacturer of men's, women's, and children's casual wear and footwear Benetton recently reported a 6.5% increase in net revenues for the first nine months of 2006, compared with the corresponding 2005 period.

Group net revenues reached €1,372 million, up €84 million on the same period of the previous year. Net income attributable to the parent company was €94 million compared with €89 million for the first nine months of 2005, with apparel sector sales to third parties posting an increase of 7%.

Based on the rise in volumes, Benetton is forecasting an increase of around 8% in 2006 consolidated revenues.