Herzogenaurach, Germany - German sporting goods manufacturer adidas on Tuesday reported a big jump in profits for the first quarter of 2008, driven by double-digit growth in sales.

Net income attributable to shareholders increased 32 per cent from the same period a year ago to 169 million euros (260 million dollars), the company said in a statement.

Operating profit for the group rose 23 per cent to 282 million euros compared to 229 million euros in the first three months of 2007, adidas said.

"We are off to a fast start to 2008," said adidas chairman and chief executive officer Herbert Hainer. "Group profitability has improved substantially."

Group revenues grew 3 per cent to 2.62 billion euros despite a 13 per cent drop in turnover by the firm's US subsidiary Reebok.

Adidas confirmed its 2008 outlook, saying that full-year net income was projected to grow by at least 15 per cent from the 2007 level of 551 million euros.

The brand with the three stripes reported a double-digit growth rate in sales for all regions except the United States.

First-quarter sales in Asia increased 25 per cent on a currency-neutral basis, driven by particularly strong growth in China and Korea, the company said.

Sales were up 12 per cent in Europe and 18 per cent in Latin America, but were down 7 per cent in North America. (dpa)