Fueled by its European Growth, ASSOS of Switzerland Launches ASSOS North America

In an effort to improve distribution of its high-end line of road cycling clothing, ASSOS hires its own sales representatives and marketing staff, and
opens warehouse facility

SAN PIETRO DI STABIO, Switzerland - ASSOS® of Switzerland, designer and manufacturer of premium road cycling clothing, today announced the launch of ASSOS North America.

As part of the launch of ASSOS North America, the company has added four sales positions to cover the Northwest, Midwest, and Northeast territories with plans to add more. In addition, the company has opened and staffed a warehouse facility in Chicago, Illinois to handle all order fulfillment, and will soon open a subsidiary office close to New York City.

"The North American market is highly competitive with several players," said Roche Maier, chief executive officer of ASSOS of Switzerland. "During the last four years overall sales growth for ASSOS has averaged around 30 percent. At this point in ASSOS' growth, we need to personally manage the sales and marketing of our products. By opening a North American office, our goal is to improve our customer service to retailers and to continue to develop a well respected brand."

In the early 1970s, ASSOS created the first Lycra™ cycling short and introduced it to the market through the then number one ranked road cycling team in the world, Ti-Raleigh Pro Cycling. ASSOS cycling clothing is known for its comfort, performance, durability and cult following.

Illinois-based Ochsner International, Inc. helped establish ASSOS in North America and has been its contracted distributor for the past 13 years. This relationship ended August 31, 2008, and ASSOS North America will now manage all sales and marketing efforts for the company.

"We are very thankful to Ochsner for helping establish ASSOS in North America," Maier said.

Hans Bergman has been appointed general manager of ASSOS North America. Bergman joins the company with more than 15 years of experience launching, growing and managing premium brands within the leisure and sporting goods industries.

"Over the last few years, ASSOS products have appeared in shops that didn't necessarily fit with the ASSOS premium brand image and product availability to retailers has been spotty," Bergman said. "We are committed to improving product availability and shipments to our high-quality, full-service retailers, while at the same time firmly establishing the ASSOS premium brand in North America."

Pat Flanagan will be vice president of sales & marketing for ASSOS North America. Flanagan most recently was senior vice president of sales & marketing for Best Bikes USA. Before his position with Best Bikes USA, Flanagan held sales and operations positions with such companies as ZOIC clothing, In Motion Inc., and Clif Bar.

For sales orders and questions, please contact Pat Flanagan at 760-277-0398 or patflanagan@ASSOS.ch. For more information about ASSOS of Switzerland, please visit www.ASSOS.com.