MIAMI, June 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perry Ellis International, Inc. (PEI) (Nasdaq:PERY) announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with Flyers Group PLC granting rights under the Original Penguin brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, for boys and girls apparel to include outerwear, T-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, jeans, trousers, shorts, dresses, skirts and specific baby items such as sleepwear and rompers.
The Original Penguin brand is one of the most recognizable consumer brands whose product is sold internationally through company-owned retail stores, major retailers and specialty stores, as well as on www.OriginalPenguin.com and www.OriginalPenguin.co.uk.
"We are enthusiastic about working with the Flyers Group and look forward to leveraging the global recognition of the Original Penguin brand to expand a truly unique international children's apparel collection," commented Oscar Feldenkreis, President and Chief Operating Officer of Perry Ellis International. "We will continue to make the necessary investments to make Original Penguin a premier apparel brand in the world. We believe this iconic brand will perform well and help to further strengthen our relationships with our retail partners around the world."
Boo Jalil, CEO and President of Flyers Group PLC remarked, "Every now and then a brand comes along which generates a real frisson of excitement through the company, from the design team through to the warehouse. We just love the way Penguin combines a 1950s vintage feel with a sense of humour - while still remaining classic. Our goal is to make sure that the love of Original Penguin for a whole new generation starts when they are very young."
The Original Penguin line will be presented as a premium kidswear brand targeting boys and girls ages 0-15 throughout Flyers' excellent portfolio of customers ranging from high end department stores, premium stores, independent boutiques and online retailers. Special in-house launches, showroom set-ups and trade shows are planned, with spring 2015 collection being shown at international trade shows starting in July 2014.
About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men's and women's apparel, accessories and fragrances. The Company's collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress pants, casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, dresses and men's and women's swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands, including: Perry Ellis®, Jantzen®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, C&C California®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist®, and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® and Jag® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel. Additional information on the Company is available at http://www.pery.com.
About Flyers
Flyers Group PLC is a dynamic, continuously expanding company with 20 years' experience in the children's fashion industry. The group is made up of four global companies, including a retail chain and fully audited production facilities. With an enviable international reputation Flyers has a team of experienced professionals skilled in the design, manufacturing and sale of quality branded clothing. The company prides itself on delivering superb levels of support and service. Established in 1990, and along with its Sister company, Haddad Europe, Flyers has built an impressive branded apparel and accessories portfolio of licensed and house owned brands.