08/31/2010 0 Comments

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif.—Altair and bebe stores, inc. (Nasdaq: BEBE), a specialty retailer of women’s apparel and accessories, have announced a worldwide license agreement for the design and distribution of sunglasses and ophthalmic eyewear.

The initial term of the agreement is for six years with a five-year renewal option. The first collection will launch for Altair accounts in October 2010 at Vision Expo West featuring a capsule collection of optical and sunwear styles.

“By adding bebe to Altair’s brand portfolio, VSP doctors and independent retailers benefit from the loyal following of an incredibly powerful brand,” said Steve Wright, president of Altair. “bebe’s hip and sophisticated look is a perfect complement to our current women’s collections and bebe eyewear will give the consumer the cutting-edge trends she demands.”

“We are very pleased about bebe's partnership with Altair, whose exceptional optical products align perfectly with the bebe aesthetic," added Manny Mashouf, founder and CEO of bebe stores, inc. "With this new partnership we will significantly increase bebe's brand reach into the increasingly important eyewear category."

bebe stores, inc. designs, develops and produces contemporary women’s apparel and accessories, which it markets under the bebe, BEBE SPORT, bbsp, 2b bebe and PH8 brand names. bebe currently operates 292 stores under some of these various brand names. These stores are located in the U.S., U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada, as well as 52 international stores in 14 countries and an e-commerce site at www.bebe.com.

Under the license agreement, bebe eyewear will be available through independent eyecare professionals and the sunwear collection through bebe stores, bebe.com, optical retailers, and leading specialty and department stores internationally and throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Altair is a division of Marchon Eyewear, a VSP Global company.

The bebe eyewear license was previously held by Signature Eyewear.

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