Perry Ellis International, Inc. and Quiksilver Europe, a division of Quiksilver Inc., announced their mutual agreement regarding a change in licensing rights for the GOTCHA brand in Europe. As of November 1st 2007, Perry Ellis will handle the development of Gotcha brand in Europe through its European operations (“Perry Ellis Europe”) located in Witham, Essex, UK.
The Gotcha brand has been developed by Quiksilver Europe under a licensing agreement since 2000. With Quiksilver evolving towards a business model focusing on brands that are globally owned and developed by Quiksilver, and Perry Ellis Internationals increased capabilities in Europe, the mutual decision was reached to finalize the change in licensing rights for the GOTCHA brand in Europe. Perry Ellis Europe said it will continue the momentum built by Quiksilver and will run all aspects of the Gotcha business for Europe, including design, marketing, sales and distribution.
Quiksilver Europe will take orders, produce and ship the Spring/Summer 2008 collection. From November 1st, 2007, Perry Ellis Europe will run all aspects of the Gotcha business including design, marketing, sales and distribution, starting with the Fall/Winter 2008 collection. Perry Ellis Europe has already in hand the necessary staffing process to ensure a seamless transition for the Gotcha Europe business.
Perry Ellis International acquired the global rights for the Gotcha® brand in late December 2005 and plans to operate the Gotcha Europe business by using Perry Ellis Europes existing infrastructure as well as expanding its existing resources. Perry Ellis Europe currently serves the ORIGINAL PENGUIN and FARAH SPORTSWEAR brands from its offices located in the town of Witham, Essex, and its showroom in London, UK. A new office is being established in Southwest France that will merchandise and sell the line in Europe.
In the action sports space, Perry Ellis also operates Redsand and MCD.
