• March 16, 2009

Calvin Klein, a unit of Phillips-Van Heusen, has signed a licensed-merchandise deal with Ireland-based Premium Golf Brands, supplier of golf apparel, to manufacture and distribute men's and women's golf wear and gear under the "Calvin Klein Golf" brand name.

The multi-year deal makes PGB exclusive global licensee for men's and women's golf clothing and accessories. The Calvin Klein Golf brand was launched in early 2008. PGB operates Calvin Klein Golf showrooms in Cork, Ireland; London and Manchester, UK; Villamoura, Portugal; Berlin, Germany; and Costa del Sol, Spain.

The men's and women's Calvin Klein Golf Spring 2009 range is available at retail now in a handful of European markets. The companies plan a full European rollout of the brand next quarter. Global distribution of Calvin Klein Golf will happen in 2010, including the Americas and Asia. In the U.S., golf specialty stores and resorts will handle retail. --Karl Greenberg