Beaute Prestige International USA to Distribute Annick Goutal Fragrances in the US

NEW YORK, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- It is announced today that Beaute Prestige International USA, the US division of the Paris-based luxury fragrance company and a division of Shiseido Americas Corporation, has entered into an exclusive, multi-year agreement for the marketing and distribution of Annick Goutal fragrances within the United States. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Founded in 1980 by the late French perfumer Annick Goutal, the Paris-based Annick Goutal Parfums develops and distributes more than 30 individual scents for women, 10 scents for men, a line of skincare products enriched with an active rose serum and a collection of scented candles and home fragrance sprays. The brand is currently carried in several prestige-level department stores in the US, including Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

"Over the past three decades, the name Annick Goutal has become virtually synonymous with the very highest level of quality and luxury in the realm of lifestyle fragrances," says Nicholas Munafo, President of Beaute Prestige International USA. "The perfumery house has consistently raised the bar with each successive launch, solidifying its position as a leading creator of artisanal scents, while faithfully maintaining the traditions so integral to its core values. BPI's proven strategy of growing distinctive, high-end fragrance brands in limited distribution channels seems a natural fit for Annick Goutal Parfums, and we are well-positioned to maximize the brand's significant potential in the US market."

According to Brigitte Taittinger, President of Annick Goutal, "Since the creation of the brand, the US market has always been our first export market. Our distribution, very selective since the beginning, is a reflection of our brand positioning. We have total trust in the 'know how" of BPI USA to support the development of Annick Goutal in the states, respectful of our image and specificities".

The new distribution agreement will be effective as of July 1st, 2010.

Annick Goutal Parfums is an upscale perfumery house, guided by the values of its creator. In 1980, Annick Goutal opened a small boutique on Rue de Bellechasse in Paris, where she presented her creations to a growing clientele. In 1985, the association of Annick Goutal Parfums with the Taittinger group affiliated the company with the famed champagne house and, by extension, with Baccarat Crystal. It also made a significant business launch possible, both in France and abroad, securing Annick Goutal Parfums a place as a true luxury perfumery house. Business operations abroad increased through selective distribution outlets, particularly in the United States. The brand also began to export to the Asian markets including partnerships with Isetan in Tokyo and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong as well as to European markets with distribution at both Harrod's and Harvey Nichols in London. Through this global distribution model, Eau d'Hadrien remains the house's top-selling scent. A second wave of creation began in 1996, when a series of new perfumes strengthened the growing brand. Fragrances such as Eau du Sud, Petite Cherie, and Ce Soir ou Jamais were soon followed by the development of a line of home fragrances, including the successful "Noel" candle. In 1999, Annick Goutal passed away at the age of 53. The following year marked a new chapter for Annick Goutal Parfums when Brigitte Taittinger entrusted Camille Goutal (Annick Goutal's daughter) and Isabelle Doyen, Annick Goutal's perfume partner since 1988, with the task of developing new fragrances.  Since then, creations such as Songes, Un Matin d'Orage and the latest global success, Ninfeo Mio, have broadened the brand's portfolio. In September 2005, Starwood Capital Group acquired Taittinger Group and today continues to develop Annick Goutal Parfums respecting the criterions of the niche perfumery market. www.annickgoutal.com

Beaute Prestige International was created in 1992 to augment Shiseido's fragrance business with the development of new designer fragrance brands. Beginning with Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey in 1992, the company has slowly and steadily built its brand portfolio to include French designer Jean Paul Gaultier's CLASSIQUE (1993) and LE MALE (1995) and American designer Narciso Rodriguez' 'for her' (2003), and 'essence' (2009). In 2009, BPI USA was selected as the exclusive US external distribution partner for Hermes Parfums. Today, Beaute Prestige International's fragrance brands can be found in fine department and specialty stores nationwide. www.bpi-sa.com

SOURCE Beaute Prestige International USA