Callaway Golf and Perry Ellis International to Join Forces
Callaway Golf (NYSE:ELY) today announced it has reached an agreement with Perry Ellis International (NASDAQ:PERY) to design, manufacture and distribute Callaway golf and sportswear apparel in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Terms of the agreement are not being disclosed. 

“We are delighted to have found the right partner to help us more firmly position Callaway as a lifestyle brand,” said George Fellows, President and CEO, Callaway Golf. “Perry Ellis International is known worldwide as a leader in both design and distribution of apparel and accessories. We are looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.” 

Perry Ellis International will service better department and specialty stores and corporate channels, while Callaway Golf will service the green grass, off course and sporting goods channels through its newly-created soft goods sales force. Perry Ellis International will also perform the embroidery, embellishing and warehousing of products for Callaway . During the remainder of 2009, Callaway will continue servicing the market with product produced by its previous licensee.

Perry Ellis International’s designs will begin shipping in spring 2010. 

“We are very excited about working with the number one global golf brand,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, President and COO, Perry Ellis International. “This relationship allows both companies to complement each other’s strengths and concentrate on their individual core capabilities. We see this as an incredible opportunity for us to help expand Callaway’s presence in the apparel market.”