Adidas Optimistic for Coming Year

Despite suffering slight losses in the United States, the German sportswear manufacturer Adidas-Salomen feels fitter than ever for the future. In the first half year, its profits climbed 22 percent to 83 million euros, according to the company. The Herzogenaurach-based producer of the legendary three-striped sports shoes and jogging pants expects an annual increase in profits between 10 and 15 percent. Overall sales dropped 2.7 percent due to the strong euro-dollar parity and the difficult U.S. market.