Everlast Worldwide Inc. manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods and apparel under the Everlast brand name, today announced the signing of three new licensing agreements:
– FCSI Ltd – Located in London, FCSI Ltd. will produce retail boxing
equipment for distribution in the U.K. and Republic of Ireland. The
FCSI line (which does not include professional boxing equipment) will
begin to ship on April 1, 2005.– Rhinox – Based in Los Angeles, CA, Rhinox has been signed as the
Everlast licensee for U.S. headwear. An introduction is planned for
the second quarter of this year.– Explorer Headgear – Headquartered in Toronto, Explorer Headgear is now
the Canadian licensee for men's and boys' active wear, sportswear,
outerwear, and swimwear. Products are expected to be available by
mid-year 2005.
George Q Horowitz, chairman and CEO of Everlast Worldwide Inc., remarked, “Licensing our brand continues to be a key aspect of our growth strategy, enabling us to extend Everlast's presence throughout the world while enhancing the scope of our product line. With the success of the Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby movie and this week's start of the reality-based television series on NBC, The Contender, we expect our licensing activities to accelerate as manufacturers further recognize the consumer awareness, staying power and versatility of the Everlast brand name. We are pleased to be teaming with our new licensees, all quality manufacturers with strong marketing, distribution and product development capabilities.”
About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
Everlast Worldwide Inc. manufactures markets and licenses sporting goods and apparel products under the Everlast brand name. Since 1910, Everlast has been the preeminent brand in the world of boxing and is among the most dominant brands in the overall sporting goods and apparel industries. Over the past 90 years, Everlast products have become the “Choice of Champions(TM)”, having been used for training and professional fights by many of the biggest names in the sport. Everlast is the market leader in nearly all of its product categories, responsible for leading eight of the top ten boxing equipment products in sales. Through its apparel division, Everlast men's and women's active wear products are sold to over 20,000 retail locations throughout the United States and Canada, including a variety of department stores, specialty stores, catalog operations and better mass merchandisers. In addition to producing and marketing the equipment and accessories, Everlast Worldwide Inc. licenses its brand to providers of men's and women's sportswear and active wear, children's wear, footwear, watches, cardiovascular exercise equipment and gym/duffel bags. At the retail level, Everlast's licensed products generate over $600 million in revenues. The company's Web site can be found at http://www.everlast.com.