France-based luxury goods and retail group PPR—which recently announced its intention to acquire German sports brand Puma—has posted revenues of €4.4 billion for the first quarter of 2007, 5.6% higher than in the comparable period of 2006. Revenues outside France improved 9.3% and accounted for 57% of the company’s total sales.

In its leather and luxury goods segments, Gucci posted a 15.9% rise in revenue across all geographical regions despite an unfavourable currency impact and sales improved 10.2%; Bottega Veneta again recorded strong growth (+55.3%) in all product categories and geographical areas, whilst Yves Saint Laurent sales rose 35.5%, reflecting a positive response to the 2007 spring/summer collections and sustained growth in leather goods.

With approximately 78,000 employees in 75 countries PPR’s other brands include Redcats Group, Fnac, Conforama, Balenciaga, Boucheron, Sergio Rossi, Bedat & Co, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.