NEW YORK, July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Iconix Brand Group, Inc.
(Nasdaq: ICON) ("Iconix" or the "Company"), today announced expansion plans
for five brands into new territories.
The Op(R) brand, currently licensed in a direct-to-retail license
agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., recently launched in Canada in select
doors with plans to roll out in all doors in spring 2009. In addition,
Wal-Mart Canada has unveiled branded Op shop-in-shops in select Wal-Mart
Stores. Op will also launch in Mexico this spring 2009 in Wal-Mart Super
Centers.
Iconix also announced today that it has entered into four separate license
agreements for its London Fog(R), Joe Boxer(R) and Starter(R) brands in Europe
and its Rocawear(R) brand in Brazil.
The Company has entered into a master licensing agreement with Yellowstone
Ventures for London Fog clothing and accessories. Yellowstone will hold an
exclusive multi-year license to manufacture and distribute the London Fog
brand throughout the European Union and Turkey. Yellowstone will also open a
London Fog flagship store in Milan with plans for further expansion throughout
Europe.
The Company has also entered into an exclusive long-term license with
Virgo for its Joe Boxer brand. Virgo will roll out stand alone retail stores
for Joe Boxer throughout Europe in major cities such as London, Madrid, Rome,
Amsterdam and Paris. Virgo will manufacture and distribute Joe Boxer intimate
apparel and apparel related products in the stores and throughout the European
Union and Turkey. Virgo currently also holds the Joe Boxer license in
Northern Europe.
The third agreement is with Mint Apparel Limited, a division of the
Integrix Group for a long-term master license agreement for Starter apparel
and key lifestyle categories in the European Union and Turkey. Mint Apparel
holds the European license for the FILA and the Company's Op(R) brand.
Additionally, the Company has entered into a license agreement with TBC
Gestao de Marcas Ltd., to manufacture and distribute Rocawear apparel,
footwear and accessories exclusively in Brazil as well as open freestanding
Rocawear stores throughout the country. TBC Gestao de Marcas Ltd., also holds
the license for Ecko Unltd and Sean John in Brazil.
"The roll out of Op in Canada and Mexico further deepens the Iconix
partnership with Wal-Mart. We were thrilled with the results of the launch of
Op in the United States and look forward to a global roll out," stated Neil
Cole, Chairman and CEO of Iconix. "As Iconix continues to expand our licensing
network abroad, this is an exciting step for London Fog, Joe Boxer, Rocawear
and Starter brands to gain further distribution in Europe and Brazil. We are
confident that our new licensees will bring significant expertise and
resources to the Iconix portfolio," Mr. Cole added.
Iconix Brand Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ICON) owns, licenses and markets a
growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S(R), BONGO(R), BADGLEY
MISCHKA(R), JOE BOXER(R), RAMPAGE(R), MUDD(R), LONDON FOG(R), MOSSIMO(R),
OCEAN PACIFIC(R), OP(R), DANSKIN(R), ROCAWEAR(R), CANNON(R), ROYAL VELVET(R),
FIELDCREST(R), CHARISMA(R) and STARTER(R). The Company licenses its brands to
a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major
segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in
both the U.S. and around the world. Iconix, through its
in-house advertising, promotion and public relations agency, markets its
brands to continually drive greater consumer awareness and equity.
Media Contact:
Tara Levy
Public Relations Manager
Iconix Brand Group, Inc.
212-730-0030