French Connection Inks Deal with Zirh

French Connection said Friday that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Zirh Skin Nutrition, a division of Shiseido, the Japanese cosmetics group. French Connection expects this agreement to make a contribution to earnings in the financial year ended 31 January 2005.

Under the agreement Zirh will manufacture and distribute men’s and women’s fragrances and ancillary products under the trade name FCUK. The licensing agreement covers all worldwide territories with the exception of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, where FCUK already has an agreement with The Boots Company.

The FCUK product lines will launch in September 2003 in approximately 1,000 U.S. outlets. The fragrance products will be carried in 100 French Connection stores in addition to traditional department store and perfumeries distribution.

Zirh expects fragrance distribution to expand to approximately 40 countries within 24 months of the U.S. launch.