Everlast Worldwide Inc. Licenses Sunglasses and Frames

    NEW YORK, May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Everlast Worldwide Inc.
 (Nasdaq:   EVST), manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods,
 apparel and other active lifestyle products under the Everlast brand name,
 today announced that it has signed a license with Optimate, Inc. to
 develop, manufacture and sell men's, women's and children's sunglasses and
 ophthalmic frames.
     Based in Arcadia, California, Optimate, Inc. is a major supplier to the
 largest companies in the optical business. The Everlast-branded glasses and
 frames will be sold in high-end and mid-tier department stores, sporting
 goods retailers and optical stores. The Optimate, Inc. license applies
 around the world, with the exception of Asia.
     Seth Horowitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Everlast Worldwide, said,
 "This license meets a key component of our licensing and marketing mix: to
 seek and sign licenses that provide exposure on high-end products that will
 continue to elevate the Everlast brand. Optimate, Inc. is an expert in the
 manufacturing and distribution of sunglasses and ophthalmic frames on a
 worldwide scale, and their stylish and sporty frames will continue to
 reinforce Everlast as a lifestyle brand that resonates well with our
 customers."
     Joseph De Marzio, Optimate's director of marketing, added, "The
 Everlast eyewear and sunwear collection will reflect our value of
 innovation, quality, styling and commitment to our customers. Everlast has
 done an excellent job of building a line of world-renowned products that
 have exceeded consumers' performance expectations for almost a hundred
 years; they are truly 'The Choice of Champions.' Everlast's reputation and
 overwhelming brand recognition, not only in the world of boxing but also in
 the minds, bodies and souls of all who wish to push it to the limit, will
 be a key component in Optimate's approach to design, styling, quality,
 marketing and brand presence in today's ever-evolving marketplace."
     About Everlast Worldwide Inc.
     Everlast Worldwide Inc. manufactures, markets and licenses sporting
 goods, apparel and active lifestyle products under the Everlast brand name.
 Since 1910, Everlast has been the preeminent brand in the world of boxing
 and is among the most dominant brands in the overall sporting goods and
 apparel industries. Over the past 96 years, Everlast products have become
 the "Choice of Champions(TM)," having been used for training and
 professional fights by many of the biggest names in the sport. Everlast is
 the market leader in nearly all of its product categories, responsible for
 leading eight of the top ten boxing equipment products in sales. In
 addition to producing and marketing boxing equipment and accessories,
 Everlast Worldwide Inc. licenses its brand to providers of men's and
 women's sportswear and active wear, children's wear, footwear, watches,
 cardiovascular exercise equipment and gym/duffel bags. At the retail level,
 Everlast's licensed products generate over $700 million in revenues. The
 company's Web site can be found at http://www.everlast.com .
     Statements made in this Press Release that are estimates of past or
 future performance are based on a number of factors, some of which are
 outside of the Company's control. Statements made in this Press Release
 that state the intentions, beliefs, expectations or predictions of Everlast
 Worldwide, Inc. and its management for the future are forward-looking
 statements. It is important to note that actual results could differ
 materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements.
 Information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ
 materially from those in forward-looking statements is contained from time
 to time in filings of Everlast Worldwide with the U.S. Securities and
 Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings may be obtained by contacting
 Everlast Worldwide or the SEC.
 
 

SOURCE Everlast Worldwide Inc.