Owner of Hunter enjoys 5 percent revenue jump

The Pentland Brands division — which owns footwear brands such as Ted Baker, Kangaroos, the Hunter Boots, and Lacoste Chaussures — noted a 5 percent jump in revenue, up to 618 million pounds.

“Ted Baker footwear had another record sales year, delivering double-digit growth with strong performance in the UK and USA. Lacoste Chaussures enjoyed another year of strong sales, with growth in major markets, including the USA and China,” the company said in a statement.

Pentland Group — comprised of the company’s licensees and brands, as well as a retail division that includes England-based retailer JD Sports Fashion Plc — posted total operating profit of 160 million euros, what implies a 30 percent jump year-on-year.

“The full-year results reflect the quality and continued international development of Pentland’s portfolio of brands in sports, outdoor and fashion,” the firm stated. Pentland said it plans to continue to invest in the global expansion of its brands.

Likewise, Pentland, has announced that it has achieved more than 2 billion pounds in sales for the first time ever. In this vein, the firm has enjoyed a 14 percent in revenues, bringing the total to 2.2 billion dollars.

The apparel group explains that their success lays on the strong performance of the Speedo swimwear brand. Pre-tax profits for the group also lifted by 92 per cent to 164 million pounds.

On another note, positive results at sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion helped boost Pentland, which owns a 57 percent stake in the business.

"During the financial crisis, we did not cut a single marketing or research budget and continued to invest in technology when other quoted companies couldn't. Now we are starting to see those benefits," said Pentland's chair Stephen Rubin.

Pentland is expecting to see a further boost in September and October during the Rugby World Cup. The company's Canterbury brand makes the kit for the England and Ireland national teams.