Fragrances for French Connection

French Connection, the London-based men's and women's apparel retailer, has entered into a licensing agreement with Zirh Skin Nutrition, a division of Shiseido, the Japanese cosmetics group.

Under the agreement, Zirh will manufacture and distribute men's and women's fragrances and additional products under the trade name FCUK. The FCUK product lines will launch in September 2003 in about 1000 U.S. outlets.

The fragrance products will be carried in 100 French Connection stores in addition to traditional department store and perfumeries distribution.

The licensing agreement covers all worldwide territories with the exception of the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, where FCUK already has an agreement with The Boots Co. Zirh expects fragrance distribution to expand to approximately 40 countries within 24 months of the U.S. launch.

French Connection owns design house Nicole Farhi and sells branded clothes in almost 150 French Connection and Nicole Farhi stores worldwide, including more than 30 in the North America. Its goods are also sold in department stores.