NEW YORK, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) announced that it will discontinue its licensing agreement with Sara Lee Corp. for the manufacture and distribution of its women's intimate apparel at the conclusion of the current license term. Sara Lee Corp. has held the license since 1996. Polo Ralph Lauren will extend Sara Lee's license to produce and distribute men's underwear.

"We have decided not to renew our license agreement with Sara Lee for Ralph Lauren Intimates as we further focus the Ralph Lauren women's brand on luxury product categories," Doug Williams, group president, global business development, Polo Ralph Lauren.

"Sara Lee Branded Apparel has enjoyed its association with Polo Ralph Lauren," said Paul J. Lustig, executive vice president of Sara Lee Corporation and chief executive officer of global apparel operations. "We are very pleased to be extending our relationship for men's underwear and respect their decision to discontinue the women's intimate apparel license. We are committed to servicing the women's business through the spring season."

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For more than 30 years, Polo's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include, "Polo by Ralph Lauren," "Polo Sport Ralph Lauren," "Ralph Lauren Collection," "Ralph Lauren Purple Label," "RALPH by Ralph Lauren," "Lauren by Ralph Lauren," "Polo Jeans Co. Ralph Lauren," and "Chaps Ralph Lauren," among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. In April 1999, Polo Ralph Lauren acquired Club Monaco, a vertical lifestyle retailer based in Toronto. In February 2000, Ralph Lauren Media LLC was formed as a joint venture between Polo Ralph Lauren, NBC and two of NBC's affiliated companies -- ValueVision International, Inc. and NBC Internet, Inc. -- to bring the Polo Ralph Lauren American lifestyle experience to consumers via multiple media platforms, including the Internet, broadcast, cable and print. SOURCE Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation

CONTACT: Ellen Maguire, Public Relations of Polo Ralph Lauren