Polo Ralph Lauren is pleased to announce that it has entered into a global licensing agreement with Apparel Ventures, Inc. (AVI) of Los Angeles, California, to manufacture and distribute women's and girls (size 7-16) swimwear. This agreement, effective July 1, 2003, follows the expiration of the term of the women's and girl's swimwear license held by Authentic Fitness Corporation since 1998. Under the terms of the new license, Apparel Ventures, Inc. will manufacture and market swimwear for Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Sport, Ralph Lauren (girls 7-16), Lauren Ralph Lauren and RALPH Ralph Lauren.
Swimwear manufactured by AVI will be available for preview to select accounts in January 2003, and will ship to retail beginning May 2003. Distribution of Ralph Lauren Collection and Ralph Lauren Sport swimwear will include Ralph Lauren stores as well as better specialty and department stores. Lauren Ralph Lauren, RALPH Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren (girls 7-16) swimwear will be distributed to department and select specialty stores.
''This new licensing relationship will allow us to capitalize on our combined strengths, Polo Ralph Lauren's creativity and design expertise, and AVI's ability to consistently manufacture and distribute quality fashion swimwear,'' said Douglas Williams, Group President, Polo Ralph Lauren.
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For 35 years, Polo's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Polo, Polo by Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Sport, Ralph Lauren, RALPH, Lauren, Polo Jeans Co., RL, Chaps, and Club Monaco among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.