German-based clothing, sportswear and cosmetics company Hugo Boss Group’s sales rose by 14% to €712 million in the first six months of 2006 compared with sales of €624 million in the first half of 2005. On a currency-adjusted basis, sales increased by 13%.

In Germany, first half sales increased by 8% to €164 million compared with €152 million in 2005, despite another slight fall in the German fashion market. In the rest of Europe, sales rose by 16% to €327 million from €282 in the comparable period a year earlier.

An upward trend was also seen in the USA, where sales for the first half rose 22% in euros (17% in local currency) from €78 million in 2005 to €96 million.

Significant contributions to sales growth were made by shoes and leather accessories, which were up 46%, and the group's own retail business, which increased 42% (currency-adjusted, like-for-like growth: 9%).

Pre-tax earnings rose by 18% to €79 million in the first half from €67 million in the same period in 2005 while net income increased by 19% to €54 million compared with €46 million the previous year.