Leading Personalization Provider Skinit, Inc. Attracts Former CEO of Tumi

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Skinit, Inc., a leading provider of technology and products to customize personal electronic devices (PEDs) on-demand, announced today Laurence Franklin will join the company's board of directors. Franklin has extensive experience as a president, CEO and board member. This is Franklin's second board relationship with Skinit backers ABS Capital and Norwest Equity Partners, as he is also a board member of their portfolio company Rosetta Stone. In addition, Franklin remains a board member of Tumi and serves as a board member at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation.

"Laurence brings the type of insights we need right now," said Bob King, Chief Executive Officer of Skinit. "He understands global operations, consumers and marketing. These will be critical as we continue to rapidly expand the business."

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to join the Skinit board during such an exciting time for the company," said Franklin. "Their technology is game-changing, and I look forward to seeing them seize the opportunities they have created."

Franklin recently retired as CEO of Tumi, the leading international brand of luxury travel, business and lifestyle accessories. He joined the company in 1986 and developed its premium positioning and emerged as a leader in product design, innovation, service and quality. In 1993 he became the president of Coach, and during his time its sales more doubled. He joined Unilever as executive vice president of their Elizabeth Arden/Parfum International group of brands in 1996. Franklin rejoined Tumi in 1999 as president and was appointed CEO in 2002 as the brand rapidly expanded product offerings domestically and internationally. Today Tumi is sold in over 40 countries, and has over 70 company owned and 50 partner stores in the U.S., Europe and Asia.  He retired as CEO from Tumi in 2009.

"We've seen the great leadership and focus Laurence brings to a board, so we couldn't be more excited to work with him again," said ABS Capital general partner and Skinit board member Mark Anderson. "Having him on the board will be invaluable as the company bridges to the next level of success."

About Skinit, Inc.

Skinit, Inc. is the industry leader in On-Demand Personalization Technology including the manufacture and distribution of customized products for electronic devices. Skinit's online ordering and customization tools allow consumers to create branded, designed, and personalized electronic device covers, or skins, using high quality 3M products. Skinit also offers B2B On-Demand Personalization Platforms as complete turn-key or stand-alone hosted software and service solutions which drive manufacturing technologies such as laser etching, paint on-demand, digital print, film conversion and others. Located in San Diego, CA USA. For more information, please visit www.skinit.com.

About ABS Capital Partners

ABS Capital Partners is a growth equity firm investing in the very best late-stage growth companies, partnering with CEOs to create a bridge to the next critical stage of success.  Whether success is defined as a winning IPO like American Public Education, Neustar and Rosetta Stone or a rewarding sale such as US Labs, Course Advisor and Advanced Disposal, ABS Capital's financial backing and active partnership supports the CEO in tackling the challenges of rapid growth and creating significant long-term value.

The partners are highly experienced at working with growth companies – each having spent between one and three decades in their industry as C-level executives, investment bankers and investors.  Practical, down-to-earth approach enables a strong partnership to determine and achieve well-defined goals.  An extensive network of resources delivers vital industry connections to portfolio companies enabling them to capitalize on their competitive advantage.

ABS Capital Partners specializes in four growth sectors—business services, health care, media and communications and technology.  With over $2 billion raised since inception, including $420 million in our latest fund, ABS Capital continues to build on its strong reputation for teaming with market leaders to deliver strong returns to investors.

For more information, please visit www.abscapital.com

About Norwest Equity Partners

Partnering with management teams since 1961, Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) is a leading equity investment firm focused on building middle market companies into industry leaders. With a reputation for quality investments and exceptional financial returns, NEP manages $4.6 billion of capital through a series of equity and mezzanine limited partnerships. The firm, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is currently investing NEP IX, $1.2 billion in capital. For more information, please visit www.nep.com.

SOURCE Skinit, Inc.