England football kit maker Umbro is aiming for more growth in the fast-growing Chinese market this year after it said announced that tough UK trading conditions would continue.
The firm said sales in China increased 48 per cent to £30.4 million last year and Umbro has upped its stake in its Chinese licensee, Team and Sports, to 40 per cent.
Chief executive Peter McGuigan said: "China has moved to the position of second largest Umbro licensee territory.
"The development of the country is well documented and Umbro is working with its licensee to continue to exploit the huge potential of the Chinese market."
However, last year's World Cup helped underlying pre-tax profits soar more than 15 per cent to £26.6 million on wholesale sales 16 per cent higher at £409.4 million.
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