Tommy Hilfiger to Acquire Majority Control of Tommy Hilfiger Japan

Amsterdam (ots/PRNewswire) - The Tommy Hilfiger Group today
announced it has entered into an agreement that, through a series of
steps, will result in the Group acquiring majority control of Tommy
Hilfiger Japan Corporation ("THJC"), currently owned by Itochu
Corporation. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Established in 1996, THJC is the exclusive licensee of Tommy
Hilfiger-branded products in Japan, which THJC brings to market
through its network of 105 freestanding retail stores and 60
department store concessions, as of November 2007. In calendar 2006,
THJC had net sales of Yen15.1 billion (EUR103 million; US$129
million). For the three years ended 2006, THJC's revenues increased
at a compound annual growth rate of over 20%.

"We believe that there is potential for substantial continued
growth in Japan for Tommy Hilfiger. Under Itochu's leadership, THJC
has done an outstanding job in positioning the brand and building a
very meaningful business. The integration of THJC will help to build
upon the success that has already been achieved. This acquisition is
in line with our strategy to pursue opportunistic buybacks and
acquisitions of licensees, consolidating brand management and
enhancing our international presence by approaching various markets
in an increasingly globally coordinated manner while leaving ample
room for local interpretation and adaptation. We welcome the THJC
team into the Tommy Hilfiger Group and we are especially pleased that
the existing management team will continue to lead the business into
the future." said Fred Gehring, Chief Executive Officer of Tommy
Hilfiger Group.

About Tommy Hilfiger Group

Tommy Hilfiger is a leading premium lifestyle brand and one of the
largest designer apparel brands globally. Tommy Hilfiger Group,
through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men's and
women's casual wear, sportswear, jeans, children's wear and footwear.
The Group's products can be found in its network of dedicated retail
stores in Europe, the United States and Canada, as well as in leading
specialty and department stores throughout Europe and North America.
Through over 40 licensees, Tommy Hilfiger-branded products, including
a broad array of related apparel, accessories, fragrance and home
furnishings, are distributed worldwide, including in Mexico, Central
and South America, Japan, Australia India, China and elsewhere
throughout Asia.

ots Originaltext: Tommy Hilfiger N.V.
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

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For further information contact: Tommy Hilfiger N.V., Avery Baker,
+31-20-589-5716; Abdel El Hamri, +31-20-589-5701; Brunswick Group
LLP, +44(0)20-7404-5959; Tom Buchanan, Paul Scott, James Olley,
Michael Fuchs