REEBOK AND DUNLOP CONFIRM SPLIT

Reebok International and Dunlop Slazenger have announced the termination of their Distribution Agreement for the Reebok Golf Brand in Europe.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dunlop's golf sales force were responsible for the distribution of Reebok golf apparel and footwear to the golf retail sector in six European countries.

Andrew Thomson, European Director for Reebok Golf said: "Dunlop have made considerable progress in developing the Reebok Golf brand in 199 in a difficult trading environment but having discussed the future direction of the business we both feel that it makes sense for us to separate at this time. Dunlop will focus on its core brand business and sales of Reebok Golf will be managed in-house by our own Reebok subsidiaries for 2000."

Andrew Griffiths, European Managing Director of Dunlop Slazenger Group commented: "Our firm commitment to service our customers Reebok requirements will continue until the end of the year, but after that we feel it is in our mutual interest to pursue independent paths. W e aim to build upon our overall tremendous golf sales through 2000 and beyond."

A further announcement regarding the distribution of Reebok golf apparel and footwear in 2000 will be made shortly.