Coty Inc. Joins North Carolina Relief Efforts

NEW YORK, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Coty Inc., a leader in the global beauty industry, announced today that the company will be donating $400,000 to relief organizations helping the state of North Carolina recover from the devastation of violent storms and tornados.  

Coty Inc., one of the largest employers in the Sanford, NC community, is donating funds to the Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross and Lee County United Way to assist with both immediate and long-term recovery efforts. In addition, Coty is providing support to employees who have suffered major property damage from the tornados. No fatalities or major injuries were reported amongst the company's Sanford, NC plant's employees. The plant itself did not suffer property damage.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who suffered because of these violent storms," said Bernd Beetz, Coty's Chief Executive Officer. "We are concerned about the welfare of our employees and all those living in the Sanford community and continue to monitor the situation closely. We will continue to support local relief efforts as the situation continues to evolve."

Coty has set up an internal structure to provide round-the-clock support to its employees and their families. Employees are also working closely with local officials and other relief organizations on the ground that are assisting the community with recovery efforts.

About Coty Inc.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renee Fleming , Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, philosophy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, ASTOR, Baby Phat, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS?, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Lady Gaga, Manhattan, Manhattan Clearface, Miss Sporty, Nautica, N.Y.C. New York Color, Nicole by OPI, OPI, Pierre Cardin (1), Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Stetson, Tim McGraw, TJoy and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.L. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Antonio Banderas, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci, Prada, Paco Rabanne and Shakira in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

(1). Not available in North America

SOURCE Coty, Inc.