Safilo And Fossil Announce The Renewal Of Their Optical Frame Licensing Agreement And Add Sunglasses Globally

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Jul 11, 2013, 04:59 ET

PADUA, Italy, July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Safilo Group, worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector, and Fossil Group, Inc., the global lifestyle company specializing in consumer fashion accessories, announce the renewal of their eyewear licensing agreement for the design, manufacturing and distribution of FOSSIL branded optical frames and the addition of sunglasses.

The new agreement now runs until December 31st, 2018 and has been extended to include global distribution. The previous agreement for optical frames covered only the U.S and Canada.

"Fossil is an extraordinary partner and we are very satisfied with the results we have achieved in North America over the past few years," said Roberto Vedovotto, CEO of Safilo Group. "We are truly convinced that there is still significant potential to be exploited all over the world with a brand which represents its authentic vintage style in such a comprehensive way. With the aim to further reinforce their collaboration in order to achieve faster growth in the eyewear category we believe there are important opportunities for development, particularly in EMEA and Latin America, but also in Asia where the brand is already successful."

Kosta N. Kartsotis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fossil Group, Inc. commented: "Safilo has been a great partner for us and we are excited to add the sunglass category and expand optical frames to the global market. This licensing agreement will allow us to leverage Safilo's expertise and distribution to increase our FOSSIL brand global eyewear offerings."

About Safilo Group
The Safilo Group is worldwide leader in the premium eyewear sector for sunglasses, optical frames and sports eyewear. With an international presence through 30 owned subsidiaries in primary markets – in America, Europe and Asia – and exclusive distributors, Safilo produces and distributes its house brands – Safilo, Carrera, Polaroid, Smith Optics, Oxydo – and the licensed brands Alexander McQueen, Banana Republic, Bobbi Brown (starting from 2014), BOSS, BOSS Orange, Bottega Veneta, Celine, Dior, Fendi (starting from 2014), Fossil, Gucci, HUGO, J.Lo by Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Choo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne, Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Max&Co., Pierre Cardin, Saint Laurent, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tommy Hilfiger. For further information www.safilo.com

About Fossil Group, Inc.
Fossil Group, Inc. is a global design, marketing and distribution company that specializes in consumer fashion accessories. The Company's principal offerings include an extensive line of men's and women's fashion watches and jewelry sold under proprietary and licensed brands, handbags, small leather goods, belts, sunglasses, soft accessories and clothing. In the watch and jewelry product categories, the Company's offerings include a diverse portfolio of globally recognized proprietary and licensed brand names under which its products are marketed. The Company's extensive range of accessory products, brands, distribution channels and price points allows it to target style-conscious consumers across a wide age spectrum on a global basis. The Company's products are sold to department stores, specialty retail stores and specialty watch and jewelry stores in the U.S. and in approximately 130 countries worldwide. The Company also distributes its products in over 450 Company-owned and operated retail stores and through international e-commerce websites and the Company's U.S. e-commerce website at www.fossil.com, where certain product, press release and SEC filing information concerning the Company are also available.

Contacts:

*Safilo Group Investor Relations*		*Fossil Group, Inc. Investor Relations*
Barbara Ferrante		Allison Malkin
ph. +39 049 6985766		ICR
www.safilo.com/en/investors.html		ph +1 203-682-8225

*Safilo Group Press office*
Milan – ph. +39 02 77807607
Padua – ph. +39 049 6985322