AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Björn Borg

Quarterly Report Nov 12, 2008

3142_10-q_2008-11-12_9366ab7e-5ea9-4995-a08d-6a10758c31c1.pdf

Quarterly Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Continued sales and profit growth in a weak market

Third quarter, July 1 – September 30, 2008

  • Brand sales* increased by 7 percent to SEK 704 million (657).
  • The Group's net sales rose by 8 percent to SEK 160.8 million (148.6).
  • The gross profit margin was 54.1 percent (54.6).
  • Operating profit increased by 1 percent to SEK 49.7 million (49.2).
  • Profit after tax increased by 7 percent to SEK 37.6 million (35.2).
  • Earnings per share increased by 6 percent to SEK 1.50 (1.42). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.50 (1.41).

Nine-month period January 1 – September 30, 2008

  • Brand sales* increased by 18 percent to SEK 1,869 million (1,584).
  • The Group's net sales rose by 11 percent to SEK 395.3 million (355.1).
  • The gross profit margin was 53.7 percent (53.4).
  • Operating profit rose by 3 percent to SEK 102.7 million (99.8).
  • Profit after tax increased by 6 percent to SEK 76.4 million (71.8).
  • Earnings per share increased by 3 percent to SEK 3.05 (2.96). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.04 (2.92).

Comment from the President

"Björn Borg continued to develop positively during the quarter. We look to the future with cautious optimism while monitoring factors in the marketplace that might affect consumers. At the same time, we are concentrating on the long-term development and further expansion of the Björn Borg brand and the company," says the new president, Arthur Engel.

MSEK July–Sept
2008
July–Sept
2007
Jan–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2007
Oct 2007–
Sept 2008
Full-year
2007
Brand sales* 704 657 1 ,869 1 ,584 2,523 2,237
Net sales 160.8 1 48.6 395.3 355.1 535.1 494.9
Gross profit margin, % 54.1 54.6 53.7 53.4 53.8 53.6
Operating profit 49.7 49.2 1 02.7 99.8 1 45.0 1 42.1
Operating margin, % 30.9 33.1 26.0 28.1 27.1 28.7
Profit after tax 37.6 35.2 76.4 71.8 1 06.7 1 02.1
Earnings per share, SEK** 1.50 1 .42 3.05 2.96 4.27 4.18
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK*** 1.50 1 .41 3.04 2.92 4.27 4.17

* Estimated total sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, including VAT, based on reported wholesale sales.

** Earnings per share in relation to the weighted average number of shares during the period restated after the split on April 27, 2007.

*** Earnings per share adjusted for any dilution effect after the split on April 27, 2007.

President's comment

Several of Björn Borg's markets continued to report good growth during the quarter, and the Group increased both its sales and earnings. At the same time weaker consumer spending affected Björn Borg's development in Sweden as well as several of our 15 other markets.

Among new markets, Spain and England stood out with strong sales trends during the quarter – through higher average orders and the addition of new retailers. Several of our established markets also noted fine sales figures. Finland and Belgium grew by nearly 40 percent, though from low levels, and our largest market, the Netherlands, saw a sales increase of 12 percent.

We have left a good platform that my successor as President, Arthur Engel, and our new Sales Director and Vice President, Henrik Fischer, will now take responsibility to manage and develop. They both have the competence and experience to run an international business and expand a strong brand.

Nils Vinberg,

Vice Chairman and former President

It is fantastically exciting – and an honor – to have the opportunity to work with one of Sweden's strongest brands. I hope and believe that we – together with Björn Borg's employees and network – will contribute to the further development of the brand and the company. With a very strong position in underwear, long-term owners, a competent organization and ownership of the brand in our own hands, we are in the right position to strengthen Björn Borg's position internationally.

Arthur Engel President

Operations

Brand sales

Estimated brand sales, i.e., sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, including VAT, based on reported wholesale sales, amounted to SEK 704 million (657) during the third quarter, an increase of 7 percent year-to-year. During the nine-month period brand sales amounted to SEK 1,869 million (1,584). On a rolling 12-month basis, brand sales amounted to SEK 2,523 million.

In the clothing product area, brand sales decreased by 2 percent during the third quarter compared with the same quarter last year, mainly due to lower sales in Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway in the women's underwear segment. Sales in the footwear product area nearly doubled as a result of substantially higher exports primarily to the Netherlands and Denmark. The external product area fragrances also noted strong growth during the quarter, with sales nearly doubling. The product area bags increased by approximately 12 percent, while eyewear decreased by approximately 2 percent during the quarter.

Among established markets, the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland generated the highest growth during the third quarter. The other Nordic markets posted weaker results. Of the new markets, Spain reported the strongest growth during the quarter, with sales increasing several times over and more retailers added. Operations in Germany and France have not developed according to expectations, and an analysis will be made to determine how the brand can be established more quickly in these markets.

Brand sales* of Björn Borg products January-September 2008. Total SEK1,869 million (1,584)

* Estimated total sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, including VAT, based on reported wholesale sales.

Björn Borg stores

During the third quarter Björn Borg opened a new store in Stockholm specializing in men's clothing. The Dutch franchisee also opened a new store during the quarter. As a result, there were 41 (33) stores at the end of the period, of which 11 (10) are Group-owned. The Dutch franchisee plans to open three new stores during the fourth quarter 2008.

Quarterly net sales and operating profit

The Group's development

Sales continued to grow during the third quarter with slightly higher operating profit.

Net sales

Third quarter, July-September 2008

Group sales during the third quarter amounted to SEK 160.8 million (148.6), an increase of 8 percent due to continued positive sales trends mainly for the footwear and clothing business segments.

Nine-month period, January–September 2008

Group sales during the nine-month period amounted to SEK 395.3 million (355.1), an increase of 11 percent.

Profit

Third quarter, July-September 2008

The gross profit margin decreased to 54.1 percent (54.6) during the third quarter. A weaker U.S. dollar positively affected the gross margin, at the same time that higher export sales in the footwear product area negatively affected the margin.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 49.7 million (49.2) during the quarter, with an operating margin of 30.9 percent (33.1). Profit before tax improved during the period to SEK 52.3 million (48.9).

The lower operating margin is due to cost increases to strengthen the organization and pave the way for further growth, mainly in the Group's newer markets and in product development. This has entailed several new hires in the last year, in addition to startup costs in the U.S. and marketing efforts in other new markets.

Nine-month period, January–September 2008

The gross profit margin during the nine-month period increased to 53.7 percent (53.4). Operating profit amounted to SEK 102.7 million (99.8) and the operating margin was 26.0 percent (28.1). Profit before tax improved during the period to SEK 106.1 million (99.5). Operating expenses increased as a share of net sales to 27.8 percent, against 25.3 percent in the same period of 2007. The reasons for the change in the gross profit margin and lower operating margin are the same as described for the third quarter.

The number of shares outstanding at the end of the period was 25,041,584. Earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.05 (2.96) for the period January–September 2008. On a fully diluted basis, earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.04 (2.92).

Development by business segment

The Group comprises a number of companies that operate under the Björn Borg brand on every level, from product development to distribution and consumer sales in its own concept stores.

Brand and other

Sales in the Brand and other segment primarily consist of royalty revenue, sales of services within the Björn Borg network and intra-Group services.

Net sales for the nine-month period reached SEK 92.3 million (82.0), an increase of 19 percent.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 31.3 million (31.9) for the period. The profit was affected positively by higher sales in the network, but negatively by increased expenses to strengthen the organization.

Product development

The Group has global responsibility for development, design and production of clothing and footwear. A licensee for clothing operates in the Benelux market.

The segment's net sales amounted to SEK 248.8 million (214.2) during the nine-month period, an increase of 16 percent. The increase is due to substantially higher footwear exports mainly to the Netherlands and Denmark in the footwear segment and to some extent to clothing.

Operating profit increased to SEK 38.8 million (29.0), as a result of the increased export.

Distribution

The Björn Borg Group is the exclusive distributor in the clothing and footwear product areas in the Swedish market.

Net sales in the Distribution segment rose to SEK 149.1 million (133.2) during the nine-month period, or by 12 percent. Growth is mainly due to higher clothing sales, but is also a result of the acquisition of Anteros Lagerhantering AB.

Operating profit rose to SEK 29.5 million (29.0), mainly due to higher sales, though also to the lower U.S. dollar.

Retail

The Björn Borg Group owns and operates nine stores in the Swedish market that sell clothing, shoes, bags and fragrances. Moreover, Björn Borg operates two factory outlets.

Net sales in the Retail segment amounted to SEK 37.7 million (41.2) during the nine-month period, a decrease of 8 percent. For comparable stores, sales decreased by 16 percent for the nine-month period and 21 percent for the quarter. Operating profit amounted to SEK 3.2 million (9.9). Measures have been taken to improve sales and earnings in Retail, including the appointment of a new management.

Intra-Group sales

Intra-Group sales amounted to SEK 137.6 million (115.6) during the year.

Seasonal variations

The Björn Borg Group is active in an industry with seasonal variations. Sales and earnings vary by quarter. With the current product mix, the second quarter is generally the weakest in terms of profit. See the figure on quarterly net sales and operating profit on page 3.

Investments and cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities in the Group amounted to SEK 32.8 million (46.2) for the period January–September 2008. The changes in working capital are mainly due to increases in accounts receivable and inventories.

Total investments in tangible and intangible non-current assets amounted to SEK 4.9 million (13.8) for the nine-month period, the large part of which is attributable to the reconstruction of concept stores and leasing agreements.

Changes in financing activities are largely due to the dividend. For the period January–September 2008 cash & cash equivalents decreased by SEK 8.3 million, against a year-earlier increase of SEK 75.4 million.

Financial position and liquidity

The Björn Borg Group's cash & cash equivalents (net cash balance) amounted to SEK 179.1 million (135.0) at the end of the period. In addition, the Group has unutilized bank overdraft facilities of SEK 122.5 million. The equity/assets ratio was 69.0 percent (65.0).

Commitments and contingent liabilities

No changes were made with regard to pledged assets and contingent liabilities compared with December 31, 2007. For further information, see note 24 on page 48 of the annual report 2007.

Personnel

The average number of employees in the Group for the period was 86 (72), of whom 58 are women. Of the total number of employees, twelve are a result of the acquisition of Anteros Lagerhantering AB on June 30, 2007.

Events after the balance sheet date

On November 3 Arthur Engel took over as President of Björn Borg and Henrik Fischer as International Sales Director and Vice President. At the same time Nils Vinberg stepped down as President after almost ten years in the Björn Borg management and became Vice Chairman of the company. Arthur Engel and Henrik Fischer both have a broad base of competence and experience in brand development from the international apparel market, including from management positions at Gant.

Nils Vinberg will continue to be available for and support the company's new management. The company will therefore pay a monthly compensation during 12 months, in accordance with Nils Vinberg's previous CEO agreement. This will in its entirety be carried as an expense during the fourth quarter 2008, and amounts to approximately 3 MSEK, including social costs and pension provisions.

Extraordinary General Meeting

An Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on November 13, 2008 at 4:00 pm (CET) at the company's office at Götgatan 78 in Stockholm. The meeting is being called, as previously announced, to approve an incentive program for Björn Borg AB's new President, Arthur Engel, and Vice President and International Sales Director Henrik Fischer. For more information see www.bjornborg.com.

Nomination Committee

In accordance with the resolution of the Annual General Meeting, Björn Borg's Nomination Committee will be composed of the Chairman of Board and one representative from each of the company's largest shareholders, by votes, as of August 31, 2008. Swedbank Robur funds, one of the three largest shareholders in Björn Borg, has offered its place on the Nomination Committee to the fourth largest shareholder, the Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund. The shareholders have now named their representatives to the Nomination Committee.

In advance of the Annual General Meeting in 2009 Björn Borg's Nomination Committee is composed of the following members: Fredrik Lövstedt, Chairman of Board; Carl Rosvall, representing Martin Bjäringer (through Dirbal B.V.); Stefan Roos, representing SEB Investment Management; and Arne Lööw, representing the Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund.

Parent Company

Björn Borg AB (publ) is primarily engaged in intra-Group activities. In addition, the Company owns 100 percent of the shares in Björn Borg Brands AB and Björn Borg Footwear Holding AB.

The Parent Company's net sales for the third quarter amounted to SEK 14.3 million (10.2). During the nine-month period the Parent Company's net sales amounted to SEK 28.0 million (22.1) The loss before tax amounted to SEK –1.3 million (–3.7) for the third quarter and SEK –15.9 million (–16.2) for the nine-month period. Cash & cash equivalents amounted to SEK 112.3 million (12.1). For the nine-month period investments in tangible and intangible noncurrent assets amounted to SEK 0.2 million (6,1).

Significant risks and uncertainties

In its operations, the Björn Borg Group is exposed to risks and uncertainties, which are described in the annual report 2007. For further information, refer to pages 33–34 in the annual report. No additional risk factors have been identified other than those described there.

Transactions with related parties

During the period transactions were executed on market terms with Klockaren Fastighetsförvaltning i Varberg AB. For more detailed information, see note 11 on page 45 of the annual report 2007.

Accounting principles

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and IAS 34. The accounting principles applied during the period are the same as in 2007, as described on pages 40–42 of the annual report 2007. The interim report is abbreviated and does not contain all the information and disclosures in the annual report 2007. The interim report should therefore be read together with the annual report 2007.

Outlook 2008

It is not the Company's policy to issue earnings forecasts.

Audit report

This interim report has been reviewed by the company's auditors. Their review report can be found on page 9.

Income statement

The Group in summary

SEK thousands July–Sept
2008
July–Sept
2007
Jan–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2007
Oct 2007–
Sept 2008
Full-year
2007
Net sales 160,762 148,597 395,323 355,091 535,119 494,886
Cost of goods sold –73,793 –67,522 1 82,856 –165,314 –247,383 –229,841
Gross profit 86,969 81,075 212,467 189,777 287,736 265,045
Distribution expenses –25,881 –21,311 –74,135 –58,484 –97,144 –81,493
Administrative expenses –8,501 –7,813 –26,819 –23,329 –34,109 –30,619
Development expenses –2,899 –2,714 –8,811 –8,147 –11,522 –10,858
Operating profit 49,688 49,238 102,702 99,817 144,960 142,075
Net financial items 2,589 –318 3,427 –309 3,888 1 52
Profit before tax 52,277 48,920 106,129 99,508 148,848 142,227
Tax –14,638 –13,698 –29,716 –27,750 –42,103 –40,136
Profit for the period 37,639 35,223 76,413 71,758 106,746 102,091
Profit attributable to minority interests –21 –13 –42 –29
Profit attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 37,618 35,223 76,400 71,758 106,704 102,062
Earnings per share, SEK 1.50 1 .42 3.05 2.96 4.27 4.18
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.50 1 .41 3.04 2.92 4.27 4.17
Number of shares 25,041,584 24,743,984 25,041,584 24,743,984 25,041,584 25,036,984
Weighted average number of shares 25,041,584 24,743,984 25,039,028 24,261,716 24,989,684 24,406,699
Effect of dilution* 25,808 309,114 52,554 300,526 0s 83,461
Weighted average number of shares after full dilution 25,067,392 25,053,098 25,091,582 24,562,242 24,490,160 24,490,160

* Björn Borg has three outstanding incentive programs based on warrants in Björn Borg AB: option schemes 2006:1, 2006:2 and 2008. For more detailed information, see page 45 of the annual report 2007 and the interim report for the first quarter of 2008.

Balance sheet

The Group in summary

SEK thousands 30 Sept
2008
30 Sept
2007
31 Dec
2007
Non-current assets
Goodwill 13,944 1 3,944 1 3,944
Trademarks 187,532 1 87,532 1 87,532
Other intangible assets 2,850 1 ,004 941
Tangible non-current assets 17,181 1 7,169 1 7,817
Total non-current assets 221,507 219,649 220,234
Current assets
Inventories 34,147 24,492 24,640
Current receivables 124,923 86,843 77,093
Cash & cash equivalents 179,109 1 34,974 1 87,423
Total current assets 338,178 246,309 289,156
Total assets 559,685 465,958 509,390
Equity and liabilities
Equity 383,110 302,903 342,943
Deferred tax liabilities 31,667 21,049 28,607
Other non-current liabilities 48,240 47,224 52,515
Accounts payable 45,941 27,516 23,140
Other current liabilities 50,727 67,265 62,184
Total equity and liabilities 559,685 465,958 509,390

Change in equity

The Group in summary

SEK thousands Jan–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2007
Full-year
2007
Opening balance 342,943 1 38,054 1 38,054
Incentive programs 1,242 1 2, 737 22,480
New share issue 110 98,500 98,500
Dividend –37,555 –18,241 –18,241
Minority interest in equity 13 95 88
Translation difference –43 0 0
Profit for the period 76,400 71,758 1 02,062
Closing balance 383,110 302,903 342,943

Cash flow statement

The Group in summary

July–Sept July–Sept Jan–Sept Jan–Sept Full-year
SEK thousands 2008 2007 2008 2007 2007
Cash flow from operating activities
Before change in working capital 36,197 52,578 76,602 88,211 1 30,311
Change in working capital –29,646 –30,267 –41,813 –41,974 –22,610
Cash flow from operating activities 6,551 22,311 32,789 46,237 107,701
Cash flow from investing activities –3,733 –6,914 –4,900 –13,804 –15,560
Dividend –37,555 –18,241 –18,241
Incentive programs/new share issues
1
,242 – 1 ,352 111 ,238 1 20,980
Change in loans –50,000 –67,001
Cash flow from financing activities 1,242 42,996 35,738
Cash flow for the period 4,060 15,397 –8,314 75,430 127,879
Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period
1
75,049 11 9,577 1 87,423 59,544 59,544
Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 179,109 134,974 179,109 134,974 187,423

Key figures

Group
SEK thousands July–Sept
2008
July–Sept
2007
Jan–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2007
Oct 2007–
Sept 2008
Full-year
2007
Gross profit margin, % 54.1 54.6 53.7 53.4 53.8 53.6
Operating margin, % 30.9 33.1 26.0 28.1 27.1 28.7
Profit margin, % 32.5 32.9 26.8 28.0 27.8 28.7
Return on capital employed, % 11.5 1 5.1 24.5 31.1 35.2 40.0
Return on average equity, % 10.4 1 6.0 21.0 65.0 31.1 42.4
Net profit for the period 37,619 35,223 76,400 71,758 1 06,704 1 02,062
Earnings per share, SEK* 1.50 1 .42 3.05 2.96 4.27 4.18
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK** 1.50 1 .41 3.04 2.92 4.27 4.17
Number of shares 25,041,584 24,743,984 25,041,584 24,743,984 25,041,584 25,036,984
Weighted average number of shares** 25,041,584 24,743,984 25,039,028 24,261,716 24,989,684 24,406,699
Effect of dilution 25,808 309, 114 52,554 300,526 0 83,461
Weighted average number of shares after dilution 25,067,392 25,053,098 25,091,582 24,562,242 24,989,684 24,490,160
Equity/assets ratio, % 68.5 65.0 68.5 65.0 68.5 67.3
Equity per share, SEK 15.30 1 2.24 1 5.30 1 2.24 1 7 1 3.70
Investments in intangible assets 2,200 2,200 225 2,200 225
Investments in tangible assets 1,533 6,914 2,700 1 3,534 4,456 1 5,290
Depreciation for the period –1,389 –1,262 –3,741 –2,790 –5,072 –4,121
Average number of employees 86 72 86 72 86 76

* Earnings per share in relation to the weighted average number of shares during the period restated after the split on April 27, 2007.

** Earnings per share adjusted for any dilution effect after the split on April 27, 2007.

Summary by segment

Group
SEK thousands July–Sept
2008
July–Sept
2007
Jan–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2007
Oct 2007–
Sept 2008
Full-year
2007
Operating revenue
Brand and other
External sales 19,241 1 4,604 44,588 37,312 58,804 51,529
Internal sales 24,124 1 9,671 52,713 44,703 83,123 75,113
43,365 34,275 97,300 82,015 141,927 126,642
Product development
External sales 76,289 67,180 1 84,242 1 63,074 246,539 225,371
Internal sales 31,705 1 5,726 64,542 51,125 88,709 75,291
107,994 82,906 248,784 214,199 335,248 300,662
Distribution
External sales 49,479 47,974 1 28,783 11 3,498 1 73,059 1 57, 774
Internal sales 9,772 9,866 20,301 1 9,736 27,441 26,877
59,251 57,840 149,084 133,234 200,501 184,651
Retail
External sales 15,753 1 8,839 37,710 41,206 56,716 60,212
Internal sales 6 6 – 11 6 111
15,759 18,839 37,716 41,206 56,833 60,323
Eliminations –65,606 –45,263 –137,561 –115,564 –199,389 –177,392
Operating revenue 160,762 148,597 395,323 355,091 535,119 494,886
Operating profit
Brand and other 17,690 1 9,750 31,255 31,869 50,531 46,145
Product development 17,095 8,103 38,763 29,017 43,117 38,371
Distribution 12,082 1 3,671 29,489 29,033 40,081 39,626
Retail 2,820 7,715 3,196 9,898 11 ,231 1 7,933
Operating profit 49,688 49,239 102,702 99,817 144,960 142,075

Quarterly data

Group

SEK thousands Q3
2008
Q2
2008
Q1
2008
Q4
2007
Q3
2007
Q2
2007
Q1
2007
Q4
2006
Brand sales 703,544 476,558 688,828 650,862 656,750 414,043 513,345 483,273
Net sales
1
60,762 95,813 1 38,748 1 39,795 1 48,597 87,844 11 8,650 1 08,537
Gross profit margin, % 54.1 55.9 51.9 53.8 54.6 55.6 50.4 52.8
Operating profit 49,688 1 6,493 36,521 42,258 49,238 1 9,188 31,390 34,994
Operating margin, % 30.9 1 7.2 26.3 30.2 33.1 21.8 26.5 32.2
Profit after financial items 52,277 1 6,594 37,258 42,719 48,920 1 9,139 31,448 34,147
Profit margin, % 32.5 1 7.3 26.9 30.6 32.9 21.8 26.5 31.5
Earnings per share, SEK
1
.50 0.48 1 .07 1 .22 1 .42 0.57 0.96 1 .06
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1 .50 0.48 1 .07 1 .22 1 .41 0.56 0.94 1 .04
Number of concept stores at end of period 41 39 36 36 33 29 26 24
of which own concept stores
11 1
0 1 0 1 0 10 9 9 8

Income statement

Parent Company in summary

SEK thousands July–Sept
2008
July–Sept
2007
Jan–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2007
Oct 2007–
Sept 2008
Full-year
2007
Net sales 14,333 10,200 28,032 22,073 36,855 44,595
Cost of goods sold –1,906 –1,497 –3,556 –3,086 –3,527 –4,707
Gross profit 12,427 8,703 24,476 18,987 33,328 39,888
Distribution expenses –9,052 –8,112 –26,421 –22,678 –15,936 –29,563
Administrative expenses –3,482 –3,120 –10,162 –8,722 –6,129 –11,370
Development expenses –1,393 –1,284 –4,065 –3,489 –2,452 –4,548
Operating profit –1,500 –3,777 –16,171 –15,902 8,810 –5,593
Net financial items 230 53 318 –278 520 12
Profit before tax –1,270 –3,724 –15,853 –16,180 9,330 –5,581
Tax 356 1 ,043 4,439 4,531 –3,689 486
Profit for the period –915 –2,681 –11,414 –11,649 2,041 –5,095

Balance sheet

Parent Company in summary

SEK thousands 30 Sept
2008
30 Sept
2007
31 December
2007
Non-current assets
Tangible non-current assets 5,787 6,214 6,460
Shares in Group companies 54,497 54,497 54,497
Total non-current assets 60,284 60,711 60,957
Current assets Current assets
Receivables from Group companies 59,411 1 36,153 39,913
Current receivables 7,973 5,743 8,766
Cash & cash equivalents 11
2,278 1
2,062 1 80,269
Total current assets 179,662 153,958 228,948
Total assets 239,946 214,669 289,905
Equity and liabilities
Equity 1
30,420 1
62,059 1 87,477
Untaxed reserves 7,254 5,955 7,254
Due to Group companies 89,197 28,256 81,807
Accounts payable 7,689 1 0,289 5,694
Other current liabilities 5,386 8,110 7,673
Total equity and liabilities 239,946 214,669 289,905

About the Björn Borg Group

The Group owns the Björn Borg trademark and has operations in five product areas: clothing, footwear, bags, eyewear and fragrances. Björn Borg products are sold in over ten markets, of which Sweden and the Netherlands are the largest. Operations are managed through a network of product and distribution companies that are either part of the Group or are independent companies with licenses for product areas and geographical markets. The Björn Borg Group has operations at every level from branding to consumer sales in its own concept stores. Total sales of Björn Borg products in 2007 amounted to approximately SEK 2.2 billion at the consumer level. Group net sales amounted to SEK 495 million in 2007, with 79 employees. The Björn Borg share is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange, Mid Cap list since May 7, 2007.

Definitions

Gross profit margin

Net sales less cost of goods sold divided by net sales.

Operating margin Operating profit as a percentage of net sales.

Profit margin Profit before tax as a percentage of net sales.

Equity/assets ratio Equity as a percentage of total assets.

Return on capital employed

Profit after financial items plus financial expenses as a percentage of average capital employed.

Return on equity

Net profit according to the income statement as a percentage of average equity. Average equity is calculated by adding equity at January 1 to equity at December 31 and dividing by two.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share in relation to the weighted average number of shares during the period.

Earnings per share after dilution

Earnings per share adjusted for any dilution effect.

Brand sales

Estimated total sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, including VAT, based on reported wholesale sales.

The Board of Directors and the President certify that the nine-month interim report provides a true and fair view of the operations, financial position and results of the Parent Company and the Group and that it describes the substantial risks and uncertainties faced by the Parent Company and companies in the Group.

Stockholm, November 12, 2008

Fredrik Lövstedt Nils Vinberg Vilhelm Schottenius Chairman Vice Chairman Board member

Mats H Nilsson Lottie Svedenstedt Michael Storåkers Håkan Roos Board member Board member Board member Board member

Arthur Engel President and CEO

Review report

Introduction

We have reviewed the interim report for Björn Borg AB (publ) for the period January 1-September 30, 2008. The Board of Directors and the President are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this interim report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim report based on our review.

Focus and scope of the review

We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review Engagements SÖG 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditors of the Entity." A review consists of making inquiries, primarily to persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review has a different focus and is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted

in accordance with Standards on Auditing in Sweden RS and other generally accepted auditing practices in Sweden. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed on the basis of a review does not give the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed on the basis of an audit.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim report is not, in all material respects, prepared for the Group in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act, and for the Parent Company in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.

Stockholm, November 12, 2008 Deloitte AB

Authorized Public Accountant Authorized Public Accountant

Håkan Pettersson Tommy Mårtensson

Upcoming information dates

The year-end report for 2008 will be released on February 18, 2009. The Annual General Meeting will be held on April 23, 2009. The interim report January–March 2009 will be released on May 15, 2009.

For further information, please contact:

Arthur Engel, President and CEO, telephone +46 8 506 33 700 Johan Mark, CFO, telephone +46 8 506 33 700

Björn Borg AB Götgatan 78 SE-118 30 Stockholm, Sweden www.bjornborg.com

Björn Borg is required to make public the information in this report in accordance with the Securities Market Act. he information was released for publication on November 12, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (CET).

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.