De Rigo and Chopard Announce the Signing of a Worldwide License Agreement LONGARONE, Italy, November 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- De Rigo (NYSE: DER), one of the world's leading eyewear companies, and the international luxury watchmaker and jeweller Chopard have signed a world-wide license agreement for De Rigo to produce and distribute Chopard optical frames and sunglasses starting with the 2005 collection. The sunglasses and eyewear to be included in the collection will fully express Chopard's brand identity, standing out for their design and quality just like Chopard watches and jewelry. The new Spring/Summer 2005 Chopard Eyewear Collection will be presented at Opti-Munchen 2005 and distributed worldwide beginning in January 2005. "With Chopard we found a partner that shares our business values - a commitment to high quality products and respect for customers. Chopard is one of the world's most prestigious and exclusive brands, and we expect its strong global recognition to help strengthen our position in the luxury segment of the eyewear market", said our Chairman Mr. Ennio De Rigo. "In De Rigo, we have found the fundamental values of a family business, with a long term vision and a real respect for customers and partners around the world. We share a common passion for innovation and creativity built on common roots of high quality manufacturing. Above all, it is a blend of people with similar values coming together", said Mr. Karl-Friedrich Co-President of Chopard. 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 Celine, Givenchy and Loewe eyewear. De Rigo also manufactures and distributes the licensed brands Escada, Etro, Fila, Furla, La Perla, Mini and its own brands Police, Sting and Lozza. Recognized worldwide for its watch and jewelry collections as well as its Haute Joaillerie creations, Chopard is a family business in the true sense of the word, founded in Switzerland in 1860. One of the only family businesses operating in its industry, Chopard currently operates three production sites, along with ten distribution subsidiaries and 77 stores worldwide. Chopard pursues vertical integration in the watch and jewelry businesses, with its workforce including representatives of 45 different professions, all playing their role at all specific stages of production. Chopard also runs its own training center to ensure that today's apprentices will become the artisans who will perpetuate the traditions of tomorrow. DATASOURCE: De Rigo S.p.A. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: De Rigo S.p.A - Maurizio Dessolis, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: +39-04-37-77-77, Fax: +39-04-37-77-07-27, e-mail: . Chopard & Cie S. A., David Trachsler, Accessories & Licences Division, Tel: +41-(0)-22-719-31-31, Fax: +41-(0)-22-719-31-35, e-mail:

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