Benetton and Allison sign licensing agreement for the eyewear sector

Ponzano, December 13^th, 2006 – Benetton Group and Allison have signed an exclusive licensing agreement for the design, production, and worldwide distribution of corrective eyewear and sunglass collections under the United Colors of Benetton and Sisley brands until 2013.

When fully effective, the agreement anticipates revenues for the licensee of approximately 35 million euro a year, and major marketing investments that will initially be focused on key markets such as Italy, France, Spain, Germany and Great Britain.

The license provides for the launch of the first United Colors of Benetton collection of corrective eyewear in spring 2007. The new line will offer an innovative product that fits perfectly with Benetton's multicolor philosophy.

Alberto Grignaffini, Director of Licensing and Business Development for the Benetton Group, commented: "we chose a dynamic, growing partner who wants to invest with us in global development projects for the eyewear market. Allison won us over with the professionalism of its organization, the creativity of its designs, and the enthusiasm it brought to the project".

Silvio Vecellio, Chairman of Allison, stated "We are enthusiastic about this new agreement, which we strongly wanted and which is a turning point for us: United Colors of Benetton is a transversal, global brand, with a vast target that goes from children to adults, famous throughout the world. We expect very good results from this agreement.”

Allison S.p.A., part of the Carisma Group, is a leader in the creation, production and distribution of top-of-the-range eyewear with brands including Bikkembergs, Cerruti, Dunhill, Exté, Frankie Morello, Gianfranco Ferrè, GF Ferrè, Iceberg, Les Copains, John Richmond, Mercedes-Benz, Missoni, Romeo Gigli, Try, Try Change, Trudi, Vivienne Westwood.

For further information:

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