Byline: Meredith Derby

NEW YORK - Adidas Group's strong third-quarter results have given the company confidence for the remainder of 2007.

Buoyed by sales of its namesake brand, the Herzogenaurach, Germany-based company said net earnings rose 20 percent to 300 million euros, or $412.2 million, calculated at average exchange. Diluted earnings per share expanded to 1.37 euros from 1.12 euros a year ago.

Though sales declined during the quarter for Reebok, Adidas said overall consolidated revenues rose a currency-neutral 3 percent to 2.94 billion euros, or $4.04 billion. Reebok sales fell 7 percent to 728 million euros, or $1 billion, on a constant euro basis, while ...