Contact: Berns Communications Group Stacy Berns/Jessica Liddell 212-994-4660
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LF USA Expands Licensing Agreement with TapouT
New York, NY, June 7, 2010 – LF USA announced today that it has expanded its licensing agreement with TapouT, the leading marketer of mixed martial arts apparel and gear, to include men's and juniors sportswear. Under the terms of this new agreement, LF USA’s Wear Me Apparel division, which has produced product for TapouT since 2008, will be responsible for the production and distribution of sportswear under the TapouT and MPS brands.
“Our growing relationship with TapouT and the extension of this great, emerging consumer brand furthers our strategy to extend existing brands into new categories and distribution channels,” commented Rick Darling, President of LF USA. “TapouT is the hottest brand in the sector and we look forward to building our relationship with Marc and his team.”
“Our expertise in licensed manufacturing and distribution will allow TapouT to focus on what they do best – marketing, branding and connecting with customers,” said Jason Rabin, President of Wear Me Apparel.
Marc Kreiner, Chairman and President of TapouT, said, "As partners with Wear Me Apparel since 2008, we are excited about the opportunity to leverage their resources to improve our distribution, sourcing and relationships with our retailers.” TapouT co-founder Dan Caldwell continued, “Over the last 13 years, we've built an authentic and successful brand, based on our excitement and passion for mixed martial arts, and I look forward to working with LF USA to help build our apparel business and pave the way for future growth.”
The first licensed products will ship July 1, 2010.
About LF USA
LF USA, is a subsidiary of Li & Fung Limited, the world's leading sourcing company for consumer goods, managing the supply chain for retailers and brands worldwide. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group services its customer globally through a sourcing network of over 80 offices and 40 countries and territories. Corporate website: www.lifung.com
About TapouT TapouT is the world’s leading mixed-martial arts apparel, gear and lifestyle brand on the market today. TapouT started as a vision by Co-Founder Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr., and has since become a pioneer of the MMA movement and a $200 million empire. Representing some of the biggest MMA superstars including Chuck Liddell, Frank Shamrock, Dan Hardy, Thiago Alves and Roy Nelson, the TapouT brand can be seen on some of the hottest apparel for men, women and children. This counterculture crew boasts a sought-after clothing line, a raucous in-demand TV reality show, and is the official apparel brand for Spike TV’s hit MMA reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” -- all the while creating hype and mystique. The trio equaling the TapouT Crew - Mask, PunkASS and SkySkrape - are no strangers to the fanfare surrounding the infamous sport of MMA and are never too shy to strike their notorious poses with fight-frenzied fans. As the premiere lifestyle brand of the MMA world, TapouT undoubtedly corners the competition- in and out of the octagon. The ubiquitous logo-blazen tee shirt that made TapouT a madhouse-hold name can now be purchased in more than 20,000 retail stores worldwide (not including online), along with a full line of fighter gear, men’s, women’s, youth and accessories. For more information: www.TapouT.com