Rob Barker has been appointed President of Amer Sports's Fitness business unit effective June 1, 2013. Paul Byrne, currently President Amer Sport's Fitness, will retire from the company effective September 1, 2013. Barker will become member of the Amer Sport's Executive Board, and he will report to the President and CEO Heikki Takala. Barker has successfully been leading the Amer Sports Fitness business unit's international sales and operations since 2011, and he previously held several commercial positions within the Fitness business area over 17 years.

Amer Sports Corp. announced unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 2013. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of EUR 493.0 million compared to EUR 489.8 a year ago. EBIT was EUR 26.4 million compared to EUR 29.6 million a year ago. Earnings before taxes were EUR 19.7 million compared to EUR 24.2 million a year ago. Net result attributable to equity holders of the parent was EUR 14.8 million or EUR 0.13 per diluted share compared to EUR 18.8 million or EUR 0.15 per diluted share a year ago. ROCE was 10.3% against 13.4% a year ago. ROE was 7.7% against 9.8% a year ago. Net cash flow from operating activities was EUR 75.0 million against EUR 110.6 million a year ago. Capital expenditure on non-current was EUR 7.2 million against EUR 10.9 million a year ago. At the end of March, the Group's net debt amounted to EUR 398.4 million against EUR 434.3 million as on December 31, 2012. The company provided earnings guidance for the year 2013. For the year, net sales growth in local currencies is expected to meet at minimum the company's long-term annual 5% growth target and EBIT margin excluding non-recurring items is expected to improve from 2012. Capital expenditure for the whole year is expected to be approximately EUR 50 million.

Amer Sports Corp., Q1 2013 Earnings Call, Apr 25, 2013