NTD Apparel

Manhattan Beach, CA September 2009: The Sharpe Company announces NTD Apparel, Inc. as the anchor apparel partner (North American) for UK motorcycle brand, NORTON MOTORCYCLES. Sharpe, Norton's US licensing agency, brokered the deal on behalf of Norton Motorcycles (UK) Ltd.

NTD will establish a North American presence for the 100 year old racing brand via their wide range of retail partners and will work in conjuction with the UK program which launches this fall.

"Sharpe is excited to announce our first licensing partner. NTD has a great design vision for the brand as it develops its apparel line. The retro imagery coupled with the contemporary energetic look and feel of the new motorcycles make for an exciting fashion statement," says Charlie Day president of Sharpe.

"We're honored to be representing such an historic UK brand. The rich heritage of Norton Motorcycles is shared by fans worldwide, all of whom have been patiently waiting for Norton to return to both the race track and street. Our licensing program will continue to grow and further cement Norton's legacy as a true iconic brand."

NTD Apparel will produce a sports and active wear line for men, ladies and boys. The apparel will feature the iconic Norton logo and trademarks, including the Manx, Atlas, Commando and Dominator brands.

"NTD Apparel is excited to be a part of this new and exciting era for Norton Motorcycles and to be associated with an iconic brand that was launched over 100 years ago," says Michael Eliesen, the company's President and CEO.

The premier Norton moorcycling brand was started over 100 years ago by James Lansdowne Norton. Best known for racing (and winning) in the 50's through early 80's, Norton returned to it's racing roots earlier this year by competing in the isle of Man TT endurance road race where the new Norton NRV588 had its debut. The road bike, the spectacular new Norton Commando 961SE goes on sales in the US in spring 2010 via a new dealership network.

The new 961 Commando draws its inspiration from the past and, like all the new models to come, will build on the Norton legacy for the future. With new models already at pre-production stage, Norton Motorcycles are building a strong base on which to build the licensing program.

The Norton legacy of defined style and performance will carry through the entire licensing program throughout the world.

About The Sharpe Company

The Sharpe Company is a boutique intellectual property agency, offering clients a total package of IP rights representation. We serve as a licensing agent and consultant, as well as a strategic brand development manager and entertainment packager. Sharpe provides a wide range of global services and opportunities to owners of intellectual properties - both brands and characters. Sharpe brings a truly global perspective to the business of marketing intellectual properties with an emphasis in marketing IP from Europe in North America and IP from North Amrtica in the rest of the world. With more than 40 years combined IP licensing experience in the global consumer product marketplace, Sharpe's team can make it happen.