Adidas score big thanks to World Cup

GERMAN sporting goods firm Adidas reported a better-than-forecast 24% rise in second-quarter net profit on Wednesday on the back of a surge in sales spurred by the soccer World Cup.

Adidas, the second-largest sporting goods firm after US giant Nike, said in a statement net profit attributable to shareholders rose to €82 million, despite higher marketing expenses for the World Cup.

Analysts polled by Reuters had expected net profit of €74m, but individual forecasts had been in a wide range, reflecting uncertainty over the costs of World Cup marketing and the effects of a revamp at its Reebok unit.