BTOR - Bluetorch, Inc (fka BTOR)

[fdatrader]

PR Newswire Comtex News Network OR Bluetorch Inc. Appoints Former Reebok, Avia and Spenco Executive as President of Total Sports Distribution Inc.

July 15, 2004 08:02:00 (ET)

LOS ANGELES, Jul 15, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Bluetorch Inc. (BTOR, Trade), announced today that one of its portfolio companies, Total Sports Distribution Inc., has appointed Mark Connors to the position of President. Total Sports Distribution Inc. is the licensee for TSABrand (True Skate Apparel(R)) and Airwalk(R) apparel.

Mr. Connors comes to Total Sports with fourteen years of experience in the sporting goods industry with venerable brands such as Reebok footwear and apparel, Avia footwear and Spenco.

Bruce MacGregor, President and CEO of Bluetorch Inc. stated, "Mark's long experience in the sporting goods industry, particularly as it relates to his sales and general management expertise, will be invaluable to Total Sports. Specifically, his experience will be extremely beneficial to Airwalk apparel. Again, we are at that stage now where we must heighten our sales and marketing efforts to achieve the desired results. We are pleased to have someone of Mark's caliber on board to guide and build Total Sports."

Stated Connors, "The TSABrand and Airwalk labels represent significant growth opportunities in a broad array of distribution channels. I am highly energized and excited by the growth platform in place with Bluetorch Inc. the company and in Total Sports specifically."

Mr. Connors began his career with Procter and Gamble in 1978 after attending Auburn University. He then went on to work for Reebok International, Ltd. where he served as Director for Reebok's Southern Division. In his capacity with Reebok, Mr. Connors was responsible for $180 million in revenue (footwear & apparel). He then moved to Avia Group International (a subsidiary of Reebok) where he served as Eastern Regional Sales Director. Starting in 1997, Mr. Connors was employed by Spenco Medical Corporation, which markets footwear accessories to the sporting goods industry, where he became the President & COO.

About Bluetorch Inc.

Bluetorch Inc. is an emerging extreme sports company that is rapidly establishing itself as a one-stop shop in the extreme sports industry with a multi-branded portfolio. Bluetorch Inc. presently markets and wholesales Bluetorch, TSABrand and Airwalk branded apparel. Beyond apparel, the Company's goal is to translate the Bluetorch name into a complete lifestyle company focusing on an eclectic array of products for the core extreme sports enthusiast. The Bluetorch apparel line is targeted to core extreme sports and specialty shops. The TSABrand apparel line, after over ten years of distribution in the core shops, is now targeting to expand into better department stores and sporting goods stores such as Sports Chalet, while the Airwalk line will continue to target the mid-tier department store and sporting goods channels through retailers such as The Sports Authority.

Management has a well-defined growth strategy focused on licensing, product diversification, and a marketing program that encompasses the entire spectrum of the extreme sports community. The Company's management philosophy is based on establishing sound fundamentals, which over time will produce shareholder value. The business model is directed towards the extreme sports arena, one of the fastest-growing segments in both the sporting goods and apparel industries. The business strategy also calls for further acquisitions and/or licensing agreements that can contribute to an expansion of distribution channels, which in turn can contribute growth in revenues and earnings. For more information or to stay updated on the Company's progress, visit: www.bluetorchinc.net or www.otcfn.com/btor.

Safe Harbor:

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance development and results of the Company's business include but are not limited to fluctuations in financial results, availability and customer acceptance of our products and services, the impact of competitive products, services and pricing, general market trends and conditions, and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC reports.

For further information, please contact: Investors, Marge Rohr of Bluetorch Inc., [phone], or [e-mail]; or Geoffrey Eiten of OTC Financial Network, [phone], ext. 613, or [e-mail], for Bluetorch Inc.

SOURCE Bluetorch Inc.

investors, Marge Rohr of Bluetorch Inc., [phone], or
[e-mail]; or Geoffrey Eiten of OTC Financial Network,
[phone], ext. 613, or [e-mail], for Bluetorch Inc.

http://www.otcfn.com/btor

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