Italian sportswear brand Lotto Sport Italia plans to increase its presence in the Brazilian market starting in its capital, Rio de Janeiro. 

The company has been operating in the South American country since April and now hopes to add to the number of stores selling its footwear, clothing and accessories. It is also looking into signing new partnership agreements with sports clubs and organising an amateur football championship.

There are already 50 stores in Rio de Janeiro that stock Lotto products and the company intends to focus on the performance and leisure goods sectors. Products will include both Italian-made goods and ranges that have been specifically developed for the Brazilian market.

The company posted turnover of €279 million in 2006, up from the €257 million recorded in 2005. It currently sponsors more than 80 football teams around the world including Serie A teams Palermo, Udinese and Fiorentina, and supports more than 400 athletes, including world champions Luca Toni and Mauro Camoranesi.