Hi-Tec Sports PLC inked an agreement with MoonStar to distribute and licence its Hi-Tec brand into the Japanese market.

Hi-Tec was founded in England in 1974 and has been selling internationally since 1976. By 2005 Hi-Tec was sold in over 100 countries worldwide. Currently Hi-Tec is the world’s 13th largest athletic footwear company and is number 3 in the global outdoor market.

MoonStar has a long and proud history in the Japanese footwear market, not only with its own brands but also distributing New Balance, K-Swiss and Kappa. In addition MoonStar has been the distributor and licensee of the highly successful Converse brand in Japan since 1981.
During the initial launch phase MoonStar will focus on positioning Hi-Tec into the technical outdoor market and introduce Hi-Tec’s world leading Indoor Court and Sport products. In recent seasons Hi-Tec has dramatically expanded its functional product line in Backpacking, Light Hiking, Adventure Sport and for 2006 also Trail Running.
The first products will be delivered into the Japanese market for the Spring 2006 season.

This agreement marks a significant step in the 31-year history of Hi-Tec.

Hi-Tec Chairman Frank van Wezel commented, “It would not be possible for Hi-Tec to truly call itself a global outdoor brand without a strong presence in Japan. With a partner of the strength of MoonStar, with their undoubted passion for footwear, I am confident Hi-Tec can rapidly establish itself as a market leading brand in Japan”

Mr Tanaka, President of MoonStar said “The Hi-Tec brand is established in Europe as an athletic and outdoor brand. It’s past performance and superior manufacturing capability should, in a market where better products and image are preferred, contribute to winning over new consumers to the brand and gaining market share.”