Kellwood Company announced it has acquired the XOXO license for sportswear, dresses and intimate apparel from Global Brand Holdings, LLC, according to Hal J. Upbin, Kellwood chairman president and chief executive officer.

Kellwood’s acquisition of the license is subject to the closing of the sale of the XOXO trademark by Aris Industries, Inc. to Global Holdings. Pending the closing, Kellwood will begin preparation for the holiday 2003 season with the assistance of Aris. The closing of the sale of the XOXO trademark is subject to customary conditions and approvals, including Aris shareholder approval.

Kellwood will expand the trendy XOXO junior brand sold at better department and specialty stores to two additional categories, dresses and intimate apparel.

The image driven, aspirational XOXO line generated sales of over $80 million in 2002 for sportswear alone. This upscale brand is positioned and retails at the top tier of the junior market. Kellwood Western Region will produce the XOXO sportswear line under the direction of Caren Belair, president of Kellwood’s Western Regions junior divisions. Arthur Gordon, chief executive officer of Kellwood Western Region, said, “We are extremely pleased to be a part of this new venture. XOXO is a great brand with a young, stylish and clean image.” Kellwood Senior executives responsible for the brand, Stephen L. Ruzow, president of Kellwood Womenswear, and Robert C. Skinner, Jr., corporate vice president said, “This presents an outstanding opportunity for Kellwood to expand in the junior category with one of fashions top junior brands. The XOXO brand has a tremendous appeal with the Gen Y and the millenial consumers.”

The XOXO dress collection will be developed by The Dorby Group, a Kellwood Company. Dorby, a leading dress and suit maker for the missy and junior markets, will establish a team dedicated exclusively to the XOXO dress line, and will name a new division head shortly.

The XOXO intimates collection will be created by Kellwood’s intimate apparel division and managed by a senior executive.