Iconix China Announces Initial Monetization of London Fog

Published on Friday, 09 December 2011 08:48 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICON) ("Iconix" or the "Company"), today announced an initial monetization of its London Fog brand in China, as China Outfitters Holdings Ltd ("China Outfitters"), its partner for London Fog China, successfully completed an Initial Public Offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The announcement marks the first in what Iconix expects to be a series of monetization events for its overall business in China. Iconix China currently has retail partnerships for six of its brands, including Candies, Rampage, Badgley Mischka, Rocawear, London Fog and a recently signed definitive agreement for Royal Velvet.

The partnership between Iconix China and China Outfitters began in April 2009 to develop and market the London Fog brand into Greater China. Since then over 100 London Fog stores and shop-in-shop concepts have been opened in multiple cities throughout China. 

The monetization of London Fog China was triggered by the recent IPO of China Outfitters, in which Iconix China received shares in the global offering. Iconix China sold approximately 54% of its shares in the offering and is retaining the remaining shares. Iconix expects to recognize an initial pre-tax gain of approximately $6 million related to its share of this monetization event.

"Today's announcement is a pivotal mark for our long term growth strategy in China," stated Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO of Iconix Brand Group. "The Iconix brands that have launched in China to date are performing well. With the recent IPO of China Outfitters, we realized an initial gain for our London Fog brand and expect to participate in the future growth of the brand through the shares we are retaining."    

China Outfitters is a fast-growing, menswear-focused apparel design, manufacturing, marketing and sales company in China. In addition to London Fog, its wide range of menswear and accessories are offered under a number of internationally renowned, mid-to-high end brands.

Veronica Chou, President of Iconix China stated, "The IPO of China Outfitters is just the beginning of our long term potential in China. We are excited about the growth opportunities for the six brands we have signed, and are continuing to seek out quality partners for the entire Iconix portfolio."

About Iconix Brand Group, Inc.

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. 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), DANSKIN (R) ROCA WEAR (R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R), ZOO YORK (R), WAVERLY (R) and SHARPER IMAGE (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), MATERIAL GIRL (TM), TRUTH OR DARE (TM) and PEANUTS (R) brands. 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 worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in this press release are forward looking statements that involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict and many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, uncertainty regarding the results of the Company's acquisition of additional licenses, continued market acceptance of current products and the ability to successfully develop and market new products particularly in light of rapidly changing fashion trends, the impact of supply and manufacturing constraints or difficulties relating to the Company's licensees' dependence on foreign manufacturers and suppliers, uncertainties relating to customer plans and commitments, the ability of licensees to successfully market and sell branded products, competition, uncertainties relating to economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, the ability to hire and retain key personnel, the ability to obtain capital if required, the risks of litigation and regulatory proceedings, the risks of uncertainty of trademark protection, the uncertainty of marketing and licensing acquired trademarks and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC filings. The words "believe", "anticipate," "expect", "confident", "will", "project", "provide" "guidance" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made.

Contact Information:

    Jaime Sheinheit

    Investor Relations

    Iconix Brand Group

    212.730.0030

SOURCE Iconix Brand Group, Inc.