Majid Al Futtaim Fashion LLC – part of the Majid Al Futtaim Group – has announced an exclusive distribution agreement with the internationally-renowned fashion brand Liz Claiborne Inc (NYSE: LIZ) to distribute a vast array of its world-class labels in the region. 
The agreement with MAF Fashion will give the Liz Claiborne labels significant growth potential and competitive advantage. The partnership will consolidate some of the most prestigous labels of Liz Claiborne -- Mexx, Lucky Brand Jeans, Liz Claiborne and Monet & Co – under MAF Fashion. Earlier, the labels were being distributed through separate local franchises.
The collaboration will enable all these trademarks to be retailed exclusively by MAF Fashion throughout the Middle East, Pakistan, North Africa and the Levant regions. MAF Fashion will oversee the distribution of Liz Claiborne labels at its 60-plus retail outlets as well as departmental stores throughout the region.
Elaborating on the strategic move, Miles Young, MAF Fashion Retail Director, said: “The alliance of MAF and Liz Claiborne Inc plays to the strengths of both companies. Liz has a large number of brands with a wide target market and MAF has the local knowledge, retailing expertise and real estate opportunities. We are looking forward to rapidly growing the Liz brands across the region.”
Commenting on the deal, Mr. Alphons Schouten, Senior Vice President of Sales, Mexx Europe Holding BV, part of Liz Claiborne, said: “This agreement provides us a significant advantage, considering MAF Fashion’s strategic retail presence in the region. We are confident that this partnership will provide a much-needed impetus to our growth plans in the region, which is increasingly becoming one of the fashion hubs of the world.”
Majid Al Futtaim Group comprises four companies -- MAF Properties, MAF Retail, MAF Trust and MAF Ventures. MAF Properties started with the development of very successful shopping malls and now operates four companies -- MAF Investments, MAF Shopping Malls, MAF Developments and MAF Hospitality.
MAF Retail is the acclaimed company responsible for creating the lucrative expansion of Carrefour into the Middle East. MAF Ventures has been established to capitalize on MAF’s market knowledge with the expertise of leading international partners: MAF Fashion with Liz Claiborne; MAF Dalkia Middle East with Dalkia – a world leader in facilities and energy management and MAF Greater Union – a leading Australian operator of cinemas.
MAF Trust is dedicated to the professional management of proprietary funds, delivering consistent, value-added medium to long-term absolute return through optimal strategic and tactical asset allocation.
Liz Claiborne Inc designs and markets an extensive range of fashion apparel and accessories for women, men, teens, children and infants. The company also markets fragrances for women and men. The 42 brands in the Liz Claiborne portfolio are available at more than 30,000 points of sale worldwide.
© 2006 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
