DER DE Rigo Spa

De Rigo Announces the Signing of a Distribution Agreement with Viva LONGARONE, Italy, July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- De Rigo (NYSE:DER) and Viva have signed a distribution agreement to exploit the synergies between their respective distribution networks in the United States, Canadian, Italian and Greek markets. As a result of this agreement, Viva will distribute De Rigo's licensed brands Givenchy, Etro, Fila and Furla in the United States and Canada, while De Rigo will distribute Viva's licensed brands Tommy Hilfiger, Guess and Gant in Italy and the Tommy Hilfiger brand in Greece. The contract will be effective starting September 2004. The parties believe that this distribution agreement represents the first step in the process of realizing a strategic alliance that could potentially involve the combination of the two Groups' wholesale and manufacturing businesses worldwide: De Rigo and Viva are continuing to work on developing optimal structures in order to obtain the highest level of synergies from their cooperation. De Rigo is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of premium eyewear, the major optical retailer in Spain through General Optica, one of the leading retailers in the British optical market through Dollond & Aitchison and a partner of the LVMH Fashion Group for the manufacture and distribution of Givenchy, Celine, Fendi and Loewe eyewear. De Rigo also manufactures and distributes the licensed brands Escada, Etro, Fila, Furla, La Perla, Mini and Onyx and its own brands Police, Sting and Lozza. Viva International Group is a worldwide industry leader, with a dedicated office and direct sales force in the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Italy, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Australia, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and Japan. Viva also distributes to more than 50 countries around the globe. The current portfolio of fashion-forward eyewear includes: GUESS?, Tommy Hilfiger, Gant(R), Candie's(R), Ellen Tracy, Magic-Clip(R), Harley-Davidson(R), Bongo(R), Marc Ecko Scopes, Catherine Deneuve, Viva, and Savvy Eyewear. DATASOURCE: De Rigo S.p.A. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Maurizio Dessolis, Chief Financial Officer, Tel +39-0437-7777, Fax +39-0437-770727, e-mail:

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