NEW YORK, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Ralph Lauren Home, a division of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) announced today that it has signed an exclusive license agreement with WestPoint Stevens (NYSE: WXS). Effective January 1, 2001, this agreement renews the current license to exclusively produce sheets, matching accessories and towels under the Ralph Lauren Home brands. In addition, effective July 1, 2001, WestPoint Stevens has been awarded the license for the production of bed pillows, mattress pads, feather beds, down comforters, blankets and coordinated bedding accessories. The bedding license is currently held by Pillowtex Corporation (NYSE: PTX) which will continue to manufacture and distribute these products until June 30, 2001. This new licensing partnership will continue the growth of Ralph Lauren Home Bedding and Bath business in markets throughout North America, Europe and Mexico.

"WestPoint has been an important licensing partner since the launch of Ralph Lauren Home in 1983. Under this new agreement, Ralph Lauren Bed and Bath products will be designed, marketed and cross-merchandised in coordinated lifestyle concepts for the home. The opportunity to bring these concepts and product categories to international markets also is very important to our global strategy for Ralph Lauren Home. However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Pillowtex for their efforts and support of Ralph Lauren Home over the years." said Ken Rood, President of Ralph Lauren Home

Since its inception in 1983, Ralph Lauren has revolutionized the home furnishings industry with the introduction of lifestyle concepts for the home. The collection includes fashion bedding product, fashion bath product, furniture, fabrics and wall coverings, tabletop, lighting, decorative accessories, decorative hardware, paint and broadloom and area rugs all possessing the distinct style and quality which Ralph Lauren has come to represent.

Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation 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 by 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. SOURCE Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation

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