For Immediate Release

December 01, 2008

NAUTICA AND MESP INC EXTEND 12 YEAR RELATIONSHIP

Malibu, CA (December 2008) – Nautica® and Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP) are proud to announce the multiyear extension of Nautica’s title sponsorship of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon (NMT) and the Nautica South Beach Triathlon (NSBT). The Nautica Malibu Triathlon, entering its 23rd year brings thousands of athletes and spectators to Malibu each September to compete and raise funds for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

“We could not be more thrilled to have the opportunity to continue our relationship with Nautica®” said Michael Epstein, MESP President. “Our partnership with Nautica® has allowed the Nautica Malibu Triathlon to become the most unique triathlon in the US, combining athletes, fundraising, celebrities and community into one unique world-class event and the Nautica South Beach Triathlon to hit the ground running in a new and premiere market”

Every year the NMT comprises top professional triathletes, age group racers from all over the country and A-list Hollywood celebrities for a weekend of physical triumph and to support an excellent cause, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The 2008 event raised nearly $1 million to support pediatric cancer research at the hospital.

In addition to the tremendous fundraising efforts of the event, the relationship between Nautica® and MESP has seen myriad successes over the years. The most recent being the addition of an Olympic Distance race to the NMT, participation by celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey and a commendation by the City of Malibu.

“Nautica® is proud to continue our partnership with these exceptional events,” said Karen Murray, President of Nautica. “Throughout our 12 year relationship with MESP, we have seen our support benefit athletes, children and the community and look forward to more success.”

The multiyear extension between Nautica® and MESP also includes an extension of the title sponsorship of the Nautica South Beach Triathlon, a sister event to the Nautica Malibu Triathlon that in its inaugural year debuted as the premiere destination triathlon in the US, drawing over 1,000 athletes from all over the country and the world to beautiful Miami Beach, Florida. The event hosts professional triathletes, amateurs and celebrities in competition and raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s pediatric cancer research program.

The Nautica South Beach Triathlon will take place on April 5, 2009 and the date for the 2009 Nautica Malibu Triathlon is yet to be released.

About MESP
MESP (Michael Epstein Sports Productions) is a national leader in Lifestyle Sports Marketing. MESP prides itself on creating and producing unique events that make a difference in people’s lives. By creating and rebranding properties MESP has assisted clients in successfully leveraging their sports marketing experiences. MESP currently produces the Nautica Malibu and South Beach Triathlons, the Amgen Breakaway From Cancer Fundraising Bike Ride and the Muddy Buddy Series. Past events include the Hi –Tec Adventure Racing Series, the Balance Bar 24 Hour Adventure Racing Series and many others. For more information, please visit www.mesp.com.

About Nautica
Founded in 1983, Nautica® is a leading global lifestyle brand ranging from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories to a complete home collection. Nautica® products are refined casual classics inspired and energized by the water that are always crisp, clean and distinct. Today Nautica® is available in more than 64 countries with more than 240 Nautica® branded stores worldwide. In 2003, the Company was acquired by VF Corporation, a world leader in branded apparel, including sportswear, jeanswear, outdoor products, imagewear and contemporary brand products. Its principal brands include Lee®, Wrangler®, John Varvatos®, JanSport®, Eastpak®, The North Face®, Vans®, Napapijri®, Kipling®, Reef®, 7 For All Mankind® and lucy®. For additional information, please go to www.nautica.com and www.vfc.com.