Benetton buoyancy checked by stuttering Europe

Ponzano ? Despite a strong sales
performance in India and China propelling
Benetton to a 47% increase in third quarter earnings, a hesitant performance in
European markets remains a concern for the knitwear specialist.

Boosted by the recovery of temporarily
deferred sales and improved efficiencies, the company posted third quarter net
profits of ?56 million, up from ?38 million in the same period last year.
Revenues were up 13.2% to ?609 million.