Anne Klein Announces Exclusive World-Wide License Agreement With Altair Division Of Marchon Eyewear

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Jones Group Inc. (NYSE: JNY) ("Jones" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into an exclusive, world-wide license agreement with Altair®, a division of  Marchon® Eyewear, Inc. ("Marchon") for the creation, production, marketing and global distribution of ophthalmic eyewear and sunglasses under the Anne Klein brand.  Altair is known as a highly regarded manufacturer and marketer of ophthalmic eyewear and sunwear.  The Anne Klein ophthalmic eyewear and sunglass collections are currently produced and marketed under a world-wide license agreement with Luxottica Group S.p.A., which will expire on December 31, 2012.  

Under the new agreement, the Anne Klein ophthalmic eyewear and sunglass collections will be marketed and sold globally in upscale optical chains and specialty retailers and by individual eye care professionals, beginning in Spring 2013.    

Richard Dickson, The Jones Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Branded Businesses, stated:  "We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Altair, a best-in-class partner, for Anne Klein eyewear, as we continue to develop Anne Klein as a global fashion iconic brand.  We believe this collaboration with Altair and Marchon will help Anne Klein further extend its powerful heritage and brand message in the global optical and accessories arena."

Steve Wright, Altair President, stated:  "The Anne Klein eyewear license is an exciting and proud addition to the Altair portfolio.  We recognize the Anne Klein brand's rich heritage in providing women with evolving modern style and look forward to translating those high-quality, timeless designs into compelling eyewear perfectly suited for the Anne Klein woman."

About The Jones Group Inc.

The Jones Group Inc. (www.jonesgroupinc.com) is a leading global designer, marketer and wholesaler of over 35 brands with product expertise in apparel, footwear, jeanswear, jewelry and handbags.  The Jones Group has a reputation for innovation, excellence in product quality and value, operational execution and talent.  The Company also markets directly to consumers through branded specialty retail and outlet stores and through its e-commerce sites.

The Company's internationally recognized brands and licensing agreements (L) include: Nine West, Jones New York, Anne Klein, Kurt Geiger, Rachel Roy (L), Robert Rodriguez, Robbi & Nikki, Stuart Weitzman, Brian Atwood (L), Boutique 9, Easy Spirit, Carvela, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i., Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini, Nine & Co., GLO, Joan & David, Miss KG, Jones Wear, Kasper, Energie, Evan-Picone, Le Suit, Mootsies Tootsies, Grane, Erika, Napier, Jessica Simpson (L), Sam & Libby, Givenchy (L), Judith Jack, Albert Nipon, Pappagallo, Rafe(L) and C&T Costello Tagliapietra (L). 

About Altair

Altair^® supports independent eyecare professionals with advanced eyewear technologies and distinctive brands including bebe^®, Tommy Bahama^®, Joseph Abboud^®, JOE Joseph Abboud^®, Revlon^®, and Sigrid Olsen. Altair is sold through more than 10,000 independent optical retailers.

Altair is a division of Marchon^® Eyewear, one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of quality eyewear and sunwear, and a subsidiary of VSP Global^®, a diverse, group of leading companies within the world-wide optical industry. The company markets its products under prestigious brand names including Calvin Klein Collection, ck Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans, Chloe, Diane von Furstenberg, Dragon, Emilio Pucci, Fendi, Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Nautica, Nike, Nine West, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sean John and Valentino.   Headquartered in New York, with regional offices in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Venice, Marchon distributes its products through numerous local sales offices serving over 80,000 accounts in more than 100 countries.

More at: altaireyewear.com

SOURCE The Jones Group Inc.