Partnership Agreement Signed

MULBERRY GROUP PLC 2 August 1999 MULBERRY GROUP PLC ('MULBERRY') SIGNS MAJOR PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH JAPANESE MANUFACTURING GIANT TORAY Mulberry, the market leading British luxury goods brand, has today signed a landmark partnership agreement with Toray Industries, the world's largest textile manufacturer, to develop the Mulberry brand in Japan. Toray forecasts retail sales in Japan of licensed and imported Mulberry product totalling just under £50 million over the first 5 years. Toray has been granted a master license to manufacture and distribute 23 different categories of Mulberry product throughout Japan and an exclusive import license for products manufactured by Mulberry. Toray has also committed, as part of the agreement, to making an immediate, advance contribution towards marketing and promotion of the Mulberry brand in the Japanese market. The final part of the agreement involves Toray making a further symbolic investment in Mulberry, as a sign of its on-going commitment to the agreement. Mulberry began the reorganisation of its Japanese operation last year, having taken over control of its Tokyo stores following the collapse of the Company's local partner. Mulberry, maintaining faith in the Japanese market, doubled the size of its Tokyo 'flagship' store to include its new home interiors collection. As a result, the Japanese flagship store LFL sales have increased by 58% in the first nine months, despite the worst recession in Japan since the war, which saw retail sales fall 11% in the clothing industry. Under the terms of its agreement with Toray, Mulberry will continue to own and operate its 'flagship' Tokyo store and will introduce an aggressive marketing campaign. Commenting on the agreement, Mulberry Chairman Roger Saul said: 'We are delighted to announce this agreement with Toray, one of the most powerful and innovative companies in Japan. I believe that today's agreement with Toray vindicates our strategy in this key market and, along with the strong improvements in sales, represents another significant step in our strategy to develop the Mulberry Brand. The reaction to the Autumn/Winter collection in Japan has been extremely strong. I believe that it more than illustrates Mulberry's growing understanding of the Japanese consumer. I am convinced that there is a real future for British lifestyle brands in a number of key, geographic markets.' Mr. Tsuyoshi Azuma, Toray's Director of Fashion said: 'Mulberry is one of the leading European luxury brands and already has a strong and loyal customer base in Japan. We are confident that the combination of the Mulberry brand and Toray's manufacturing and distribution skills will create one of the leading luxury brands in the Japanese market.' For further information: Roger Saul Chairman and Designer, Mulberry Group PLC 01749 340532 Alex Mackey GCI Focus 0171 600 1392 07808 581 674 (mobile)
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