Delta Galil Industries Ltd, a leading manufacturer of private label intimate apparel, men's underwear, socks, baby wear and leisurewear, today reported a 41 per cent increase in third quarter sales to $149.5 million.

North America accounted for 57 per cent of those sales, the UK 28 per cent, Europe eight per cent and Israel seven per cent.

In the first nine months, sales totalled $420.4m, an increase of 42 per cent over comparable period of 2000. North America accounted for 56 per cent of those sales, the UK 27 per cent, Europe nine per cent and Israel eight per cent.

Delta's sales in North America jumped 143 per cent for the third quarter, reaching $85.5m compared to $35.2m in the year ago period. Ladies' intimate apparel reached 58 per cent of sales in the first nine months, compared to 41 per cent in the corresponding period in 2000.

Commenting on the results, chairman Dov Lautman said: "Our success in North America and more specifically, in the mass market, is the direct result of our acquisition strategy.

"Ladies' intimates continue to be a strong driver in these markets and around the world. We look forward to continued expansion in these categories and hope to leverage them for future growth."