Coty Inc. Announces Distribution Agreement With Gemini Cosmetics, Inc.

NEW YORK, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Coty Inc., a leader in global beauty and the world's largest fragrance company, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Gemini Cosmetics, Inc. under which Gemini will assume responsibility, on an exclusive basis, for the distribution of Coty Beauty's prestige brands to prestige department and specialty stores in the U.S. market. Through a strategic and focused approach, the distribution partnership between Coty and Gemini will strengthen and grow the Coty Beauty prestige portfolio. Until now, Coty has handled the distribution of its Coty Beauty prestige fragrances in-house.

In July 2008, Gemini will begin distributing Coty Beauty's Nautica Voyage and My Voyage, Baby Phat Fabulosity, and Kate Moss Kate brands. In addition, Gemini will distribute David and Victoria Beckham Signature fragrances when they launch in the U.S. in September 2008.

"The strategic partnership with Gemini Cosmetics allows us to accelerate the growth of Coty Beauty's fragrance portfolio business in the United States," said Bernd Beetz, CEO of Coty Inc. "Using a new distribution partner, we are able to place a greater emphasis and larger focus on growing these brands and on our overall presence in the marketplace. We look forward to a successful partnership that will broaden our reach to the American consumer."

Frank A. Fazzinga Jr., Chairman & CEO of Gemini Cosmetics said, "Combining Coty's innovative and inspiring brands with Gemini's strength in distributing powerful products to consumers sets up a win-win for both companies. We are looking forward to working with Coty on this strategic endeavor."

"Gemini Cosmetics is a powerhouse with a proven track record for successful distribution of prestige brands," said Hans-Joachim Honigfort, President, Coty Beauty. "This partnership will enable Coty Beauty to build our prestige portfolio in the U.S. marketplace more quickly and efficiently."

About Coty Inc.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is the world's largest fragrance company and a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of $3.5 billion(1). Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 91 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Baby Phat, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jette Joop, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nautica, Nikos, Phat Farm, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, Aspen, Astor, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Desperate Housewives, Esprit, Exclamation, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Miss Sixty, Miss Sporty, N.Y.C. New York Color, Pierre Cardin(2), Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Shania Twain, Stetson, Tim McGraw, Tonino Lamborghini and Vanilla Fields.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Comme des Garcons in the United States and Canada.

    For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

    1. Includes most recent annual net sales of Del Laboratories, Inc., which
       Coty acquired on December 31, 2007.
    2. Not available in North America

About Gemini Cosmetics

Gemini Cosmetics is a New York City based fragrance company with a strong focus on department and specialty store distribution. Gemini Cosmetics develops and markets fragrances globally, under the name of established brands. Their focus is on market leadership, quality of product, and innovation in concept and execution. Since its inception the company has formed successful partnerships with IZOD, Tommy Bahama and Le Couvent Des Minimes, a division of L'Occitane.