HK-based Li & Fung to buy Liz Claiborne Sourcing Operations

23 Feb '09

4 min read

Hong Kong-based global consumer goods exporter Li & Fung Limited and Liz Claiborne Inc announced that they have agreed to enter into a long-term, exclusive Buying Agency Agreement whereby Li & Fung will act as the primary global apparel and accessories sourcing agent for all brands in the Liz Claiborne Inc portfolio, including Lucky Brand, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, and Isaac Mizrahi designed Liz Claiborne New York with the exception of the jewelry product lines.

Li & Fung will continue as the sourcing agent for Mexx as previously announced and will be Mexx's exclusive sourcing agent going forward. Completion of the arrangements is expected to take place in the first quarter. Liz Claiborne Inc. will pay going forward an agency commission of its product purchases through Li & Fung.

William McComb, CEO of Liz Claiborne Inc., commented on the announcement, "Liz Claiborne Inc. was one of the first apparel companies to source product in Asia, building a robust, global sourcing organization that quickly became a competitive advantage that was leveraged for many years. The manufacturing world has changed dramatically in recent years with the elimination of quota and other globalization factors.

Liz Claiborne Inc. is now changing as well. Managing our large, complex sourcing strategies and teams throughout Asia in a cost effective and brand appropriate manner from the U.S. does not offer the flexibility we need to meet the demands of our consumers efficiently and to deliver to them the best designs with the best price-value and quality.

Given this reality, we have made the decision to reconsider what our core competencies are across our entire business and determined that our 'one size fits all' sourcing model does not align well with our brand-centric strategy - a strategy that requires each brand to build separate and unique sourcing plans based on specific requirements. In addition, our experience with Li & Fung from Mexx Canada and more recently Mexx Europe validates that an organization like this will intensify our ability to execute our brand-centric strategy."

Mr. McComb continued, "With Li & Fung as a partner, our brands will have access to a vast, worldwide network of manufacturing partners and best-in-class systems, management and talent - all of which give us more flexibility and a better competitive position. Greater buying power will enhance our going in margins, and disciplined execution will improve our speed-to-market. Bottom line, this is the optimal way to address the issues with our current sourcing infrastructure and a significant strategic opportunity that will enable us to deliver high quality, irresistible product to our consumers and retailers around the world."

Mr. Bruce Rockowitz, President of Li & Fung, commented: "We are very excited to see the successful execution of this strategic partnership with Liz Claiborne. Last year's Mexx outsourcing deal has proven the extraordinary value Li & Fung can add to one's supply chain of products and services. In this case, not only are we confident that Li & Fung will contribute to more efficient sourcing through our global sourcing network of over 80 offices in over 40 economies, we are also equally confident that Li & Fung's dedicated teams of sourcing professionals which comprise a wide spectrum of expertise will help address the specific needs of each brand, and enable us to deliver quality and attractive products to further strengthen the positioning of these brands.

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