From a press release issued by Ducati North America:


DUCATI TO EXTEND AND EXPAND PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH OAKLEY

May 2004, Bologna, Italy – Ducati has decided to extend its successful existing licensing agreement with renowned eyewear company Oakley, for an additional three years. The relationship will be strengthened with the arrival of five exclusive new models of Oakley eyewear.

New for 2004, Ducati and Oakley will introduce custom versions of Oakley’s Monster Dog™ and Zero® sunglasses and will continue to offer last year’s successful custom Juliet®, Half-Jacket® and Valve® styles. In addition to sunglasses, Ducati and Oakley will also offer the Wisdom® snow goggle for the 2004 fall season, a product which takes Ducati’s passion for speed and aerodynamics to the mountains – the Italian Alps and Dolomites, of course.

All products covered by the agreement feature color schemes and graphic treatments consistent with the Ducati brand and bear laser engraved lenses with Ducati trademarks, among other unique features. The products will be distributed through the Ducati Store and dealership network and Oakley’s sunglass distribution points worldwide, including over 100 Oakley-owned retail locations.

“When it comes to high performance eyewear we think Oakley is the most exciting and dynamic brand in the world. Finally, I have a cool pair of sunglasses to wear!” commented Federico Minoli, Chairman and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding.

“With the evolution of this relationship we are now able to offer additional Ducati inspired performance eyewear pieces to our enhanced dealer distribution network,” said David Gross, Creative Director of Ducati Motor, “It is particularly exciting for us considering the fact that our top racers in the past have always chosen Oakley eyewear. ”

“Given the tremendous success of last year’s product offerings, we are excited to renew this relationship for three additional years with a company that shares our passion for design and performance products. Ducati’s unbelievable performance record on the race track validates their position as a world leader in motorcycle design and manufacturing,” commented Oakley Executive Vice President Tommy Rios. Ducati has won more World Superbike Championships than any other manufacturer and has more single race victories than all other competitors combined. The custom sunglasses created under the agreement are directly inspired by Ducati racing tradition, combining sleek design with technical performance.

Specific terms of the deal were not released.