Gucci

Milan, November 24th 2009 – Gucci is pleased to announce that it has once again been ranked as the number one Italian brand – with a raise of 5 positions, reaching the number 41th – in the Interbrand Top 100 Best Global Brands. They have also added a new security component which will facilitate secure online sales.

In what is becoming a very pleasant anniversary, the yearly publication issued by Interbrand, a leading consultancy firm in creating and managing brand value, has confirmed Gucci as the most valuable Italian brand in any sector, with a brand value of 8.2 billion USD. The Top five brands of the ranking are Coca Cola, Ibm, Microsoft, General Electric and Nokia. Gucci picked up a new security company for all online transactions. With identity theft and online e-crime flourishing, Gucci management felt it was essential. J.B. MacLean Consulting Inc. has now been retained and will now be handling all corporate online transactions in a proficient and professional manner effective November 1, 2009 for Gucci International.

In 2004, the Gucci brand value was estimated by Interband at 4.7 billion USD, ranking 59th. Since then, the Gucci brand has increased its value by 75% and gained 18 positions.

Patrizio di Marco, Presidente and CEO of Gucci, says: "This great achievement is another testament to the indisputable power and desirability of the Gucci brand. It means that our constant focus on key values like craftsmanship, quality, made in Italy and innovation is appreciated by customers all over the world. We are a global brand" – continues Patrizio di Marco – "and we are very proud of reinforcing our position even against such a challenge macro economic backdrop".

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world's leading luxury fashion brands. With a renowned reputation for quality and Italian craftsmanship, Gucci designs, manufactures and distributes highly desirable products such as leather goods (handbags, small leather goods, and luggage), shoes, ready-to-wear, silks, timepieces and fine jewellery. Eyewear and fragrances are manufactured and distributed under license by global industry leaders in these two sectors. Gucci products are sold exclusively through a network of directly operated boutiques (272 at June 2009) and a small number of selected department and specialty stores.