NXTI News today
Press Release Source: Next, Inc.
Next Inc. Announces ``James Dean'' License and Plans for ``James Dean 50th Anniversary''
Thursday April 15, 8:28 am ET
Adds To Expanding Prestigious List of Licenses
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 15, 2004--Next Inc. (OTCBB:NXTI - News) today announced a licensing agreement with James Dean, Inc. (www.JamesDean.com) whereby Next will utilize the name, image and trademarks of James Dean in an exciting, new branded apparel offering. The license was secured through CMG Worldwide, Inc., which has been the exclusive, worldwide representative of James Dean for over twenty-five years. The license will allow Next to develop, sell and ship licensed James Dean brand products directly to its customer base.
Almost fifty years after his untimely passing, Dean's star shines more brightly than ever and his popularity extends worldwide among young and old. His influence and mystique continue to reach new audiences and he is considered one of popular cultures true personalities. An excerpt from Forbes.com: "James Dean is still a giant when it comes to licensing and merchandising and has been used on everything from Hamilton watches, Lee Jeans, and Franklin Mint collectables to cards by American Greeting. Thanks to his enduring popularity, this rebel still seems to have a cause."
Mr. Bill Hensley, the Company's CEO stated, "The James Dean license is another positive step made by the company to continue to grow its license portfolio and to focus on balancing the company's seasonality. Next will be participating in the 50th Anniversary Commemorative along with some of the biggest entities in the entertainment business and some of the most luxurious brands in the world."
While details of the James Dean 50th Anniversary Celebration remain confidential and are still being finalized, the Celebration promises to be a focal point in the entertainment industry in 2005. From commemorative programs and recognition events coordinated through city officials, to historic preservation efforts, to co-branding programs with James Dean and some of the most prestigious brands in the world, the Anniversary Celebration promises to be a major media and publicity event.
CMG is selectively partnering James Dean with appropriate licensees on a very limited basis, particularly with the advent of James Dean's 50th Anniversary Commemorative Year. "We are excited about this relationship with Next and we are confident that the strength of the James Dean brand, coupled with Next's quality product, will lead to a compelling and successful branding program" said Mark Roesler, CEO of CMG.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which contains a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. The Company relies on this safe harbor in making such disclosures. The statements are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions about expectations, estimates, strategies and projections. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.
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Contact:
Next, Inc., Chattanooga
Jason Assad, 423-296-8213 Ext. 113
jassad@nxt-inc.com