Q4 Increase at Inter Parfums

Inter Parfums, Inc. reported favorable results for the fourth quarter and year ended Dec. 31, 2009. For the quarter, net sales increased 13% to $112.9 million. European-based operations rose 16% to $96.3 million; however, sales by U.S.-based operations declined 3% to $16.6 million. Net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. increased 7% to $5.5 million.

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2009 net sales fell 8% to $409.5 million. Net income decreased 6% to $22.4 million.

Executive Vice President and CFO Russell Greenberg commented, “The year ended on a strong note in terms of sales and earnings.After comparable quarterly sales declines through the first nine months of 2009, net sales increased in the final quarter of the year in both absolute and constant dollars. In the face of the global economic downturn, and in the absence of a major women’s fragrance launch in 2009, our financial performance for the year was better than we anticipated.”

Discussing new product launches, Jean Madar, chairman of the Board and chief executive officer, noted, “With regard to European-based operations in 2010, our new product launch schedule has begun with Burberry Sport fragrances for men and women.In July, we are launching our first Burberry cosmetics collection in approximately 30 shops around the world.For Lanvin and Paul Smith, we are creating a new women’s scent for each and new scents for both men and women are coming to market for the Van Cleef & Arpels brand.Plans call for our first Jimmy Choo fragrance to unveil in early 2011 and with regard to Montblanc, we will be taking over the inventory and distribution of their legacy fragrances mid-year and new product development is in the works with spring 2011 as our target for a new fragrance launch under the brand.”

On the subject of U.S.-based operations, he stated, “We have new fragrance and ancillary products under the Gap brand for both men and women scheduled to launch later this year.Also in the works are new fragrances for the bebe and Brooks Brothers labels, and a special fragrance collection for Anthropologie stores will also be introduced.In addition to launching new scents, we are pursuing growth in our specialty retail business by expanding the footprint of our international distribution of the products we develop for several of our retail partners.”