Calida Group reports 3.9 percent sales growth in 2013

REPORT_ For the fifth consecutive year Calida Group said that its consolidated sales for 2013 went up 3.9 percent year-on-year to 211 million Swiss Francs (237.9 million dollars). Excluding the currency effect, sales went up by 2.5 percent. Both brands, Calida and Aubade, contributed

 to the group's growth.

Operating profit (EBIT) for the year under review came to 11.3 percent of net sales. Following various transactions, Calida increased its stake in Lafuma, the French outdoor clothing company, from 15.3 percent at the start of the year under review to 59.9 percent. In addition to the nomination, already announced, of Christian Haas for the Board of Directors of Calida Holding AG, the AGM will also be asked to approve the election of Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO of the Oettinger Davidoff Group, as a new Board member.

On the financial development, CEO Felix Sulzberger commented, “We reinforced the market position of our two brands Calida and Aubade during fiscal 2013. By acquiring a majority stake in leading French sports clothing group Lafuma, the Group also became much bigger. Full consolidation from 2014 onwards will more than double Calida Group’s sales.”

While Calida’s sales rose by 2.5 percent (1.5 percent after currency adjustment) to 142.1 million Swiss Francs (160.2 million dollars), while Aubade's went up by 6.7 percent (4.5 percent after currency adjustment) to 68.9 million Swiss Francs (77.7 million dollars).

Operating profit, at 10.2 percent of net sales, came in above Calida's long-term guidance figure of 10 percent for the fifth consecutive year. The goal for Lafuma is to achieve breakeven in 2014. Its figures will be fully consolidated into the Calida accounts in 2014.