Esprit Reports Net Profit of HK$555 Million for the First 6 Months - a 44%
Growth

* Group turnover rose 31% to over HK$6 billion

* Operating profit increased to over HK$900 million

* Earnings per share rose 40% to HK47.1 cents

* Cash and cash equivalents grew to approximately HK$1.5 billion after
  investing around HK$180 million in capital expenditure

* Interim dividend: HK7.5 cents per share, a 25% increase from last year

HONG KONG, Feb. 12 /XFNHK/ -- Esprit Holdings Limited (SEHK: 330; LSE: EPT)
announced interim results for the six months ended December 31, 2002. 
Turnover grew by 31% over last year, reaching over HK$6 billion for the half
year.  Operating profit amounted to over HK$900 million for the six months,
recording a 34% year-on-year increase.  Net profit grew to HK$555 million,
registering an impressive year-on-year growth of 44%.

Earnings per share rose 40% to HK47.1 cents, and the Board of Directors
declared an interim dividend of HK7.5 cents per share, representing an
increase of 25% over the interim dividend of last year.

At a press conference in Hong Kong today, Heinz Krogner, Esprit's Deputy
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "It is my great pleasure to report
an impressive set of interim results as we are in the midst of achieving our
tenth consecutive year of growth.  All lines of business and all regions with
operations reported turnover growth and the Group's profitability also
improved in this six months period."

John Poon, Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, said, "Our
strong results were attributable to a combination of better merchandises,
enhanced profitability of retail, greater economies of scale, lower sourcing
cost, and appreciation of the Euro."  Mr. Poon added, "After spending
approximately HK$180 million in capital expenditure, we have, on December 31,
2002, cash and cash equivalents of approximately HK$1.5 billion, increased by
more than HK$500 million compared with our balance at the end of June 2002. 
We plan to spend another HK$200 million or so in the next six months mainly on
further expanding our European retail network."

Commenting on future trends, Mr. Krogner believes the European growth momentum
will continue despite the depressed market conditions particularly in Germany. 
"Expansion in the U.S. and possible upturn of the Asian retail operation,
should further contribute to Esprit's overall growth going forward," added Mr.
Krogner.

"We believe strategically, with our proven product quality, strong financial
position and seasoned management team, Esprit is well positioned to achieve
sustainable long-term growth," concluded Mr. Michael Ying, Chairman of Esprit.

                                             Selected Financial Highlights
                                        For the six months ended December 31
                                               Unaudited    Unaudited
                                             2002              2001
                                          HK$ million      HK$ million

    Turnover                                    6,066             4,648
    Gross Profit                                3,026             2,228
    Operating Profit                              906               676
    Taxation                                     (375)             (273)
    Profit Attributable to Shareholders           555               385
    EPS                                    47.1 cents        33.7 cents

Esprit Holdings Limited (www.espritholdings.com) is a constituent stock of the
Hang Seng Index and the MSCI Hong Kong Index.  Its subsidiaries are engaged in
the retail and wholesale distribution, sourcing and licensing of quality
lifestyle products under its globally recognized ESPRIT brand and of cosmetic
products under its Red Earth brand.  The Group controls over 300,000 square
meters of retail space in more than 40 countries and ESPRIT products are sold
in more than 80 countries worldwide.  It operates approximately 540 directly
managed retail stores and has around 2,500 franchised outlets internationally.

Note to editors:
Please visit our website at www.espritholdings.com

Issued by Esprit Holdings Limited.  For further details or inquiries, please
contact Alice Ng. 
Tel: +852-2765-4232
Fax: +852-2764-1723
Email: alice_ng@esprit.com.hk



END