GUCCI GROUP AND SAFILO GROUP ANNOUNCE RENEWAL OF EYEWEAR LICENSE AGREEMENTS FOR GUCCI, BOTTEGA VENETA AND ALEXANDER McQUEEN

Padova, 10th November 2008 – Gucci Group, one of the world’s leading multi-brand luxury goods companies, and Safilo Group, a leader in high-end and luxury designer eyewear, announce the extension of the license agreements for the production and worldwide distribution of branded eyeglass frames and sunglass collections for Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen.
 
The renewals extend the Gucci brand contract to 2018, Bottega Veneta to 2010 and Alexander McQueen to 2013. These agreements are a testament to Gucci Group and Safilo Group’s strong professional relationship, as shown by Gucci’s extension of the license prior to its natural expiry. The business relationship between the two groups began with the presentation of Gucci’s first eyewear collection in 1989.
 
Robert Polet, President and CEO of Gucci Group, said: “We are delighted to continue our long and highly successful collaboration with Safilo. The success of Gucci Group brands’ designer eyewear is a reflection of the unique design and quality execution of our many products over the last 20 years we have partnered with Safilo. Safilo’s consistent respect for the spirit, heritage and exclusivity of these Gucci Group brands has made them a wonderful partner to work with. We look forward to building further on this strong foundation as we continue to expand our eyewear business in the years ahead.”
 
Massimiliano Tabacchi, Vice-Chairman and CEO of Safilo Group, said: “We are very proud that one of the most long standing and successful partnerships in the luxury sector, that between Gucci Group and Safilo, has today been renewed. Gucci is one of the most famous and desired brands in the world and this agreement allows both groups to focus on common values and strengths, such as the quality of product and distribution, through a strong and exclusive brand image. The target we have set ourselves for the upcoming years is to further strengthen the brand’s leadership in all worldwide markets.
Furthermore, we are satisfied to be able to continue the partnership started in 2002 with two of the most prestigious Gucci Group brands; Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, which, with their distinctive product and differing target consumer, both fit perfectly into our brand portfolio.”

MARK LEE TO STEP DOWN AS CEO OF GUCCI – PATRIZIO DI MARCO WILL BE NAMED IN THE POSITION – AS OF JANUARY 2009

Amsterdam, 16 September 2008 – Gucci Group announces today the nomination of Patrizio di Marco (currently President and CEO of Bottega Veneta) to the top position at the Gucci brand. This follows Mark Lee’s decision not to renew his contract at its expiry on December 31st, 2008.
Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Stella McCartney will become President and CEO of Bottega Veneta. Read more

Gucci, at the peak of desire

Gucci has just been named as the most desirable luxury brand in a wide-reaching international online survey conducted by the Nielsen Group. 

When it comes to the most desired luxury brands, Gucci is unquestionably leading the way. This is the key point from the results of a major online survey conducted by the Nielsen Group at the end of 2007.
To the question, “Which luxury brand would you choose if money was not a problem?”, one person in five surveyed answered Gucci. The Institute questioned over 26,300 consumers in 48 markets around the world. Read more