COLUMBUS, Ind. & FOXBORO, Mass., Jun 15, 2009
Dorel
Juvenile Group, Inc. ("DJG USA"), a division of Dorel Industries (TSX:
DII.B, DII.A) and the nation's largest juvenile products manufacturer,
has named Synergy Licensing, LLC, a New York-based firm specializing in
licensing brand opportunities, as its new licensing agency of record.
The
relationship will expand Dorel Juvenile Group's brand portfolio by
applying licensing opportunities to appropriate product offerings in
the marketplace in addition to the juvenile sector. Synergy will work
to license related trademarks Baby on Board® and Nature Next™,
which fall under the Safety 1st® brand umbrella, as well as Cosco®,
a brand synonymous with exceptional quality at a great value. The
whimsy of the Baby on Board icon and the timeliness of Nature Next
eco-conscious product lines lend themselves to more niche approaches to
product extensions, while Safety 1st and Cosco licensed-products will
reinforce brand equity within the industry. The strength of Dorel
Juvenile Group's brands combined with Synergy's deep experience in
family-oriented brands make for a natural fit.
"DJG USA is
thrilled to join forces with Synergy on such an exciting venture to
expand our Safety 1st and Cosco brand names, both leaders in the
juvenile industry," said Vinnie D'Alleva, EVP Business Development at Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. "Our approach to the Dorel Juvenile Group
licensing program is to keep the brands pure, focusing on creating
product that is emotionally relevant and contemporary within the brand
family. Synergy's passion and true understanding of Dorel Juvenile
Group's brands and related trademarks was clearly evident during the
review process and we are confident their passion for DJG's brands will
translate proficiently to other product offerings."
"Collaborating
with Dorel Juvenile Group is an exciting opportunity for our agency,"
said Karen Diamond, principal of Synergy Licensing. "More than ever, we
recognize our clients' need to stand apart from their competition and
we are equipped with the industry experience, knowledge and drive to
set Safety 1st and Cosco apart from the rest." Randi Goodman, principal
of Synergy Licensing, adds, "Retailers are looking for meaningful brand
extensions to broaden assortments, and we plan to maximize those
opportunities and relationships with the powerful brands Dorel Juvenile
Group has to offer."
Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A)
is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in
1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety,
quality and value. The Company's lifestyle leadership position is
pronounced in both its Juvenile and Bicycle categories with an array of
trend-setting products. Dorel's powerfully branded products include
Safety 1st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and Bebe Confort in Juvenile, as
well as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI in
Recreational/Leisure. Dorel's Home Furnishings segment markets a wide
assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and
imported. Dorel is a US$2.2 billion company with 4700 employees,
facilities in eighteen countries, and sales worldwide.
Synergy
Licensing, LLC is a full service licensing agency with offices in New
York City and New Jersey. With over 40 years of licensing, branding, retail and product development experience, Synergy offers clients a proven
track record of building entertainment, character, corporate, fashion,
celebrity and sports brands into widely successful merchandise and
retail franchises. Synergy Licensing draws upon a hybrid mix of large
and boutique agency approaches, offering the experience and expertise
of larger established agencies, combined with the creativity and
senior-level client support that is the trademark of smaller firms.
Duffy & Shanley, Inc.
Amy Bagner, 401-274-0001, ext. 437