Marcolin will produce Timberland Eyewear

The Marcolin Group has retained with The Timberland Company the worldwide license to manufacture and distribute Timberland eyewear and sunglasses starting January 2004.

Timberland is known worldwide as one of the leaders in premium footwear, apparel and gear for the outdoors, with retail stores in countries including Austria, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In 2002, Timberland had an approximate turnover of 1.2 billion USD.

The contract has an initial term of four years and is projected to generate a turnover over 50 million euros. Marcolin will launch the new sunglasses and ophthalmic frames in March 2004, on the occasion of Vision Expo East in New York. Working closely with Timberland, Marcolin will be responsible for strategy, design, manufacturing, and worldwide distribution.

'With our heritage as a brand that equips consumers for the outdoors, it's critical that we continue to build a strong eyewear business that is focused on superior product and strategic distribution,' said Patrick Baboin, vice president of worldwide licensing for The Timberland Company. 'Marcolin has demonstrated an impressive understanding of the Timberland' brand and our consumer, and has a proven track record for interpreting the brand's values through product. They are as committed as we are to innovation, style and functional excellence; we're confident they will be a great partner'.

'We are pleased and excited to have the opportunity to help with the growth of Timberland's eyewear business bringing it to all International markets' said Maurizio Marcolin, Ceo of the Marcolin Group. 'The strength of the Timberland brand combined with our experience and expertise in building premium eyewear lines reflecting brand's values, creates a powerful platform for success'.