Allison and Benetton together until 2013

The Benetton Group and Allison have signed an exclusive license agreement until 2013 for the design, production and international distribution of sun and vision eyewear collections with the brands United Colors of Benetton and Sisley.

Under the agreement a billing of approximately 35 million Euros a year is expected for the licensee, as well as important investments in communication, which will initially focus on key markets, such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Great Britain.

The license envisages the launch of an initial eyeglasses collection with the United Colors of Benetton name as early as spring 2007. The new line will offer the market an innovative product, perfectly in keeping with Benetton's multi-color philosophy.

Commenting on the agreement the Benetton Group's new business development and license Manager, Alberto Grignaffini, declared 'we have chosen a dynamic, growing partner that intends to invest with us in plans to develop the eyewear market internationally. Allison convinced us because of their professional organization, their design creativity and the enthusiasm shown in dealing with the project'.

Allison's Chairman, Silvio Vecellio, declared 'We are delighted with this much-coveted new agreement, which represents an important turn for us. United Colors of Benetton is a transversal, global brand, with an extremely wide target, which ranges from children to adults, known all over the world, we do indeed expect great satisfaction from this agreement'.