WILSON PARENT AMER FORECASTS RETURN TO PROFIT IN '98

          Amer, the Finnish sporting goods group which owns the
     U.S.-based Wilson brand, reported narrowed losses in the
     first four months yesterday, according to Greg McIvor of the
     FINANCIAL TIMES.  The company said it would not reach
     "break-even" this year.  Amer CEO Roger Talermo said
     "aggressive cost cutting would yield a significant
     improvement this year," and the group would return to profit
     in '98.  Pre-tax losses narrowed from around $22.4M to $9.8M
     or from $.93 per share to $.42.  McIvor notes losses have
     been "heaviest" at Wilson's golf division, "particularly in
     the U.S."  Talermo predicted the golf division would return
     to profit in '98 (FINANCIAL TIMES, 5/30).