As a result of the slowdown of the global economy and the deterioration in consumer spending, order backlog as of year-end declined by 5.4% or currency-adjusted 5.8% to € 1,152.5 million. This includes mainly deliveries scheduled for the first and second quarter of 2009.

Currency-adjusted orders for Footwear decreased by 2.3% to € 698.3 million, and Apparel orders were down 12.4% to € 383.8 million. Currency-adjusted orders for Accessories stood at € 70.4 million and were unchanged from last year’s level.

Currency-adjusted orders in the EMEA region were down by 10.0% to € 610.9 million. Orders in the Americas region increased significantly by 19.9% currency-neutral to € 280.7 million. Because of the difficult market environment in the Asia/Pacific region orders declined by 15.9% to € 260.7 million after several years of double-digit growth rates.

Performance in the year 2009 will be difficult to forecast due to the general ongoing market environment. However, PUMA is prepared to react appropriately in an uncertain market environment and to a weak economy. The implemented measures, which were already reflected in the expenses recorded on December 31, 2008, should contribute accordingly.