UMBRO the No1 Global Brand in
Soccer kicks off in the US

New York May 2008:

The Licensing Company NA inc (TLC) announces the launch of its Umbro brand extension campaign, with the confirmation of four significant licensing partners.

Founded in 1924, UMBRO is a globally recognized brand with a powerful heritage in the world's most popular sport -soccer.
With products distributed into over 90 countries worldwide, UMBRO is synonymous with high-quality, performance soccer product across Footwear, Professional Team wear and Equipment. Currently there are over 9million active participants in the sport today in the US 

TLC was appointed globally by Umbro in 2006 to execute its Global Brand Extension campaign, and today there are over 15 licensees world wide, with four key strategic partners in place for the US.
Scope Apparel Inc, the menswear partner, have developed an off- field active wear program. Scope Apparel launched at Magic in Feb 08 with a strong positive retail reaction from all areas of the market.
Following on from the menswear line, BT Kids have signed as Umbro's exclusive kidswear partner, major supplying department stores, specialty stores and mail-order with a full line roll out starting Spring 09.

Noveau Eyewear  Inc, one of the worlds leading ophthalmic eyewear companies have agreed a global partnership with Umbro launching Spring 09, and Grossman caps is working across the age range with a variety of headwear, gloves and other accessories. Further announcements are expected shortly.

 Terri Hanson, Umbro US, added "Our program in North America is fast growing, and TLC have demonstrated an understanding of our audience and brand, providing an exciting opportunity for Umbro to enter the Brand Extension marketplace"

Looking forward to the World Cup scheduled for 2010 in South Africa, the Umbro brand is unique in its ability to talk to all races and age groups, with the common love of 'Soccer' at the heart.

Notes to editors:

About Umbro
Umbro is a global football brand. With its head office based in the UK, UMBRO designs, sources and markets football related products which are sold in over 90 countries. Umbro has subsidiary operations in the UK and the US selling products direct to retail and distributes through an international network of 47 licensees.
 
The brand originated in 1924, when the company was founded by the Humphrey Brothers. Umbro has a strong heritage in football, a notable fact being that Umbro provided the kits for 15 out of the 16 teams taking part in the 1966 World Cup - including England. Since the brands origination, Umbro has been associated with leading national teams, clubs and professional players on a global basis.

About The Licensing Company
The Licensing Company (TLC) specializes in creating long-term brand extension programs for some of the world's leading brands. TLC was founded in London in 1996 by Angela Farrugia and Melvin Thomas, and has a reputation of creating the most innovative, effective and successful brand extensions in the world.  With offices in New York, Tokyo and Paris and Munich, TLC boasts over 2, 000 live contracts worldwide,    $2 bn retail sales in 2007, 35, 000 product lines and access to over 70% of the world's consumer marketplace. TLC's portfolio includes well-established brands such as IBM, Jim Beam, Cosmopolitan, Jelly Belly and Umbro as well as the Reckitt Benckiser portfolio of brands. http://www.thelicensingcompany.com/.