Takihyo Co., Ltd. Named a Master Apparel, Footwear & Accessories Licensee for Disney in Japan

Takihyo Co., Ltd. Named a Master Apparel, Footwear & Accessories Licensee for Disney in Japan

Japanese apparel industry leader Takihyo Co., Ltd., has been named a master licensee for Disney-branded apparel, footwear and accessories in Japan, it was announced today by Koji Hoshino, president of Walt Disney International Japan.

Under the terms of the multi-year licensing agreement, Takihyo will produce and market Disney-branded outerwear, innerwear, layette, sleepwear, swimwear and rainwear. Additionally, footwear and accessories, including backpacks, bags, headwear, hosiery, eyewear, belts, gloves, handkerchiefs, mufflers and umbrellas are covered by the agreement.

Takihyo, noted for their design capabilities, will create Disney-branded merchandise featuring beloved characters including, but not limited to, Mickey Mouse and friends, Winnie the Pooh and friends, and Disney Princesses. The products will be available at all retail channels across Japan beginning in March 2002.

"Disney and Takihyo have done business for several years, and Takihyo has continually proven their ability to expand our brand in Japan," said Hoshino. "Our new multi-year agreement with the company furthers our commitment to providing quality Disney merchandise for the Japanese consumer, while continuing to build Disney's presence at retail."

In December 2000, Disney entered into a multi-year agreement naming Tomy, a global leader in the production and distribution of toys and games, a master licensee for Disney Toys across Japan responsible for bringing complete product ranges to the consumer market.

Globally, Disney Consumer Products continues to forge a more prominent Disney presence at retail through new relationships with world-class brands.

In apparel, Disney announced direct-to-retail licensing agreements with Kmart, JCPenney, WalMart (Canada only) and Zellers (Canada only) in North America; H&M, Lindex, Oviesse, Tesco and C&A in Europe; and C&A in Latin America. The company also has apparel licensing agreements with Donaldson in Belgium and Pre Natal in Italy.

Disney Consumer Products also signed agreements with The Coca Cola Company for Minute Maid/Disney juices and juice drinks introduced in October 2001; the Gillette Company for innovative oral care products for children that launched in October 2001; and the Kellogg Company for ready-to-eat Disney-branded cereals available to consumers in February 2002.

Takihyo Co., Ltd. was established in 1751 and incorporated in 1912. The company is engaged in the wholesale of apparel and textiles, and its subsidiaries are engaged in the manufacture and processing of apparel products and related services.

--posted December 4, 2001

Source: Disney Consumer Products Press Release