Kiyomi Wada,  president of Asics Corporation, Seiho Gohashi, director of operations in the USA and Yoshiriho Okada, director and president of Asics Brazil, have announced that they have taken over all operations of the Asics brands in Brazil from licensee Calçados Azaléia.

Commenting on the move Yoshiriho Okada said, “The new situation is the result of the company's global strategy to eliminate the licences granted in various countries. Also, the growing market for running shoes in Brazil and the potential of this market led us to take this decision.”

Turnover at Asics in Brazil exceeded $23 million in 2006, an increase of 42% over the 2005 figures.