Herzogenaurach, Germany - Adidas, Europe's leading sporting goods manufacturer, withdrew its forecast for 2009 on Thursday after reporting higher turnover and stagnating earnings for the third quarter of 2008.

The brand with the three stripes said turnover from July to September was 3.08 billion euros (3.97 billion dollars), a growth of 4.8 per cent over the corresponding period a year ago.

Earnings before interest and tax came to 473 million euros, marginally higher than 2007's third-quarter figure of 471 million euros. Net income was 302 million euros.

Adidas confirmed its goals for 2008 but said it was withdrawing its predictions for the comping year because of the uncertain economic outlook.

"We have again delivered a strong set of financial results," said Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer. "And this is despite mounting pressure on retail markets and consumer spending around the globe."

In the first nine months of year group revenues declined by 7 per cent in North America on a currency-neutral basis due to lower sales in the United States.

Sales for the group in Asia increased 23 per cent in the first nine months, driven by particularly strong growth in China, the company said. (dpa)