CANTON, MA. (Reebok International/ www.reebok.com) - Reebok International Ltd. and multi-faceted entertainer
Pharrell Williams jointly announce that they have mutually agreed to end their footwear and apparel licensing relationship. In connection with the separation, Reebok will continue to sell "
Ice Cream" footwear at retail through June 30, 2005 and Pharrell will soon be announcing future plans for the "Billionaire Boys Club" apparel line, and for the continued manufacture and sale of "
Ice Cream" footwear.
In December 2003, Pharrell and Reebok announced the launch of a collection of men's and women's "Ice Cream" footwear and "Billionaire Boys Club" apparel to be developed and marketed under the brand's Rbk initiative.
"Pharrell and Reebok are parting ways as friends with a mutual understanding and respect that Reebok's strategy and his strategy for the design and distribution of Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream were simply different. Although we would have liked for this venture to have been more successful, in the end, we both realize that the design and distribution fit just wasn't there," said Reebok's Chief Marketing Officer Dennis Baldwin. "I commend Pharrell for his unwavering commitment to the strategic direction in which he intends to take his collections. Pharrell brings a unique and strong creative touch to the market, and we wish him well," continued Baldwin. "We both agree that the door is open for future opportunities to work together."
"Reebok and I both understand we have very different visions for my clothing line, BBC, and my sneaker line, Ice Cream," said Williams. "I have learned a great deal doing business with Reebok, and it has a been a great experience. I am pleased that we can part ways amicably and am excited to launch my line independently."
Further details of the dissolution of the partnership are not being publicly disclosed. Known as the Grammy-winning, chart topping producer, CEO of Star Trak and star of the band N.E.R.D, Pharrell has had success across the board in pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop. A four-time 2005 Grammy nominee, Pharrell has recorded songs such as Drop it Like it Hot and Excuse Me Miss, supplied beats for stars including Nelly and Justin Timberlake, and produced acts such as Kelis' billboard-leading song Milkshake.
Reebok International Ltd., headquartered in Canton, MA., is a leading worldwide designer, marketer and distributor of sports, fitness and casual footwear, apparel and equipment under the Reebok, Rockport, CCM, KOHO and JOFA and Greg Norman Brands and footwear under the Polo Ralph Lauren Brand. Sales for 2003 totaled approximately $3.5 billion. Reebok can be accessed on the World Wide Web at https://www.reebok.com.
