Business news : Head Racquet Sports USA Posts Record Results

Head Racquet Sports USA has posted its "best ever sales results for a full year in company history," with a double digit percentage increase for both Head and Penn brands. Specific figures will be provided in its formal fourth-quarter results release on Mar. 14.

In its statement, Head Racquet Sports USA said the double-digit gains for Head and Penn were especially significant given the market share both brands already had coming into the year. In addition, a year end retailer survey placed Head and Penn at the top of the industry for sales force and speed of shipment as well as very high marks in all marketing and operations categories.

“We are thrilled with our year-end results. We outpaced the market throughout the year as a result of very hard work from our internal team combined with incredible results from our athletes like Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray,” said Greg Mason, vice president sales and marketing Racquet Sports US. “The combination of the two made for the best year in our history.”

Head’s new marketing campaigns have been player centric and have focused on digital and social media marketing tactics. Some of the world’s best tennis athletes, have helped take Head to the next level.
Head was able to combine players and marketing to maximize the impact. Head is now the racquet sports leader in Facebook fans which is another indication of the brand momentum.

“While it’s great to share fantastic 2012 results, we are poised for further growth in 2013 with aggressive marketing around Novak and Maria throughout the first half. With the #1 male player in the world in Novak and Maria as the most marketable female player in the world we are positioned for another great year,” said Mason.

The excellent development in the US was envisaged earlier in the year by the group and does not impact the guidance for the groups results as set out in our press release of November 8, 2012.

Head NV is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of premium sports equipment and apparel. Head NV’s ordinary shares are listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Its business includes the Head (alpine skis, ski bindings, ski boots, snowboard and protection products, tennis, racquetball and squash racquets, tennis balls and tennis footwear and sportswear), Penn (tennis balls and racquetball balls), Tyrolia (ski bindings) and Mares (diving equipment) brands.

( SportsOneSource Media )