Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – The Nicklaus Companies and its largest worldwide licensee, Kosugi Inc., today announced a historic long-term contract extension to manufacture and distribute Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear apparel in Japan. The renewal means that the loyal partners will surpass 50 years working together building the Nicklaus brands. Across the various Nicklaus Companies branded businesses and products, the Japanese market has generated consumer sales into the billions of dollars.
“By signing this historic agreement, our relationship with Kosugi becomes the longest-standing license in our company’s history as well as its most successful,” said Nicklaus Companies Executive Chairman, Howard Milstein. “Selecting the right partner is fundamental to this kind of longevity and success; moreover, our partner Kosugi has been exceptional in leading the retail fashion market in Japan. Kosugi has delivered consistent growth rooted in premium quality for our brand. We are proud to extend our relationship to a fifth decade, and more importantly, our friendship with the Kosugi team for years to come.”
Sataro Kosugi, President of Kosugi Inc. and the sixth generation of Kosugi family involved in the 137-year-old company, leads the dynamic apparel conglomerate and drives new expansion efforts for the already robust Nicklaus presence of more than 1,000 points-of-sale. Kosugi, with rights to men’s and ladies’ apparel, leads the eight other licensed companies for Nicklaus lifestyle products. Kosugi started the Nicklaus brand business in 1968 when Sataro’s grandfather was president of the company.
“My grandfather was passionate about Jack Nicklaus and his brands,” commented Kosugi. “It is a tremendous point of pride for me to continue our family’s and company’s successful legacy with the Nicklaus Companies. We are fortunate to work with one of the world’s most successful brands as proven by our soon-to-be half-century together.”
For additional information on Nicklaus Companies access the web site at www.nicklaus.com
About Nicklaus Companies
For 50 years, the mission of Nicklaus Companies has been to enhance the golf experience and to deliver quality branded products and services on a global basis that mirror the high standards established in the career and life of its Founder, Jack Nicklaus. The Nicklaus Companies businesses include golf-course design, the development of golf and real estate communities, and the marketing and licensing of lifestyle products worldwide under the iconic Jack Nicklaus and Golden Bear brands. Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world leader in golf course design, has created over 420 courses worldwide, open for play in 45 countries and 40 U.S states. In 2007, Jack Nicklaus partnered with Howard Milstein to further the growth of the company and expand the branded businesses. In addition to institutionalizing the Nicklaus brands for the future, Milstein has instilled a personal philosophy of “A Brand That Gives Back” with products and partners committing to donations to help the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and other charities. A leading entrepreneur in the golf industry, Milstein also created 8AM Golf, a family of companies that also includes GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com, Miura Golf, Club Conex, True Spec Golf and GolfLogix. All share a common mission to help players at all levels enjoy the game more.
We leverage our winning heritage to achieve excellence, foster growth and champion social good. We activate modern strategies and techniques to enhance our customers’ lives and match the high standards set in the career and life of Jack Nicklaus.
About 8AM Golf
Nicklaus Companies is part of the 8AMGolf family. 8AM Golf was created by golf entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Milstein as the holding company that oversees his golf companies — all of which help golfers at every level enjoy the game more. In addition to Nicklaus Companies, other 8AM Golf companies include GOLF Magazine and the GOLF.com website; legendary clubmaker Miura Golf; True Spec Golf, a brand-agnostic club-fitting company that has fit more than 30,000 golfers worldwide; GolfLogix, the most-downloaded GPS app in golf; and Club Conex, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of adjustable golf club adapter systems.
