Procter & Gamble Co. is remaking its biggest global brand with a series called Pampers Baby Stages.

        The company launched the series of three products in Europe late in August, and P&G officials hinted Wednesday that a relaunch of Pampers Premium in North America could come soon.

        “You can expect to hear about that, hopefully not in the too distant future,” chief financial officer Clayton Daley told a group of investors, without specifying timing.

        “We clearly need new products and initiatives on the Pampers brand, and we believe this is a big one.”

        Baby Stages includes one product designed for newborns, one for toddlers and a new pull-on diaper for older children.

        P&G hopes the relaunch will revitalize the lagging diaper business after months of planning and millions of dollars spent refitting its diaper plants.

        The company reiterated Wednesday that it would boost share earnings at mid-single digits, less than its long-term goal. Chief executive A.G. Lafley is leaning on big products like Pampers to make that happen.

        P&G intends to complete its global transition during the current fiscal year, Mr. Daley told the investors.

        Pampers is one of P&G's signature products, with a 40-year history and a leading global market share of about one-third.

        But its dollar share in diapers lost 5.1 points in the month ended Aug. 12, compared to the same period a year ago, according to research from Wall Street firm Credit Suisse First Boston.

        The diaper for new babies absorbs liquid faster, while the “Active Fit” product for toddlers includes new stretch panels, a spokeswoman said.

        The Easy Up Pant, the third in the series, tears apart for changing and is P&G's first entry in years in the pull-up category.

        “While it's still early, shipments on our new Pampers Baby Stages in Europe have exceeded expectations,” said Deb Henretta, who took over the company's global baby care business in April 2001.

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