De Rigo: A Further Step in the North-American Market LONGARONE, Italy, January 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- De Rigo (NYSE: DER), one of the world's leading eyewear companies, has decided to sub-license the distribution in the United States and Canada of Ermenegildo Zegna branded optical frames and sunglasses to the Viva Group, as part of the two companies' distribution arrangements. The parties believe that this agreement will allow them to fully exploit the sales and growth potential of the Zegna brand in the high value added segment of the North American market. De Rigo believes that this agreement completes the process of integrating its commercial and distribution arrangements in the North American market with those of Viva, and does not at this time expect to enter into any joint-venture or share exchange with its commercial partner. In addition to Ermenegildo Zegna, Viva will distribute the De Rigo licensed brands Escada, Etro, Fila, Furla and Givenchy in the North American market. "We are pleased to have a partner like Viva and hope to create a strong growing channel for our products through the distribution of some of our premium licensed brands in the huge North American eyewear market", said Mr. Ennio De Rigo, Chairman of the De Rigo Group. 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 Chopard, Escada, Ermenegildo Zegna, Etro, Fila, Furla, Jean Paul Gaultier, La Perla, Mini and its own brands Police, Sting and Lozza. DATASOURCE: De Rigo S.p.A. 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:

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