CBUK Cutter & Buck (MM)

Cutter & Buck (Nasdaq:CBUK), an upscale golf-inspired sportswear and outerwear brand, has gone nuts over tech, literally. The company is proud to be the first golf apparel brand to offer Cocona Natural Technology, an advanced hybrid-carbon technology that works by permanently embedding activated carbon derived from coconut shells into fiber and yarns to deliver one of the most effective moisture management systems available with added benefits of unsurpassed cooling and drying, odor control and UPF protection. The Cocona fabric technology represents an important enhancement to the Cutter & Buck line of performance products, CB ProTec(TM). Derived from the coconut shell, Cocona was first introduced in the outdoor industry in 2005 and fast earned a reputation as one of the most effective moisture and odor management fabrics available in the marketplace, and was named one of Time magazine's top five innovations for 2005. Cutter & Buck will offer Cocona exclusively for Spring 2007 in key CB DryTec(TM) styles in their Men's and Women's golf collections, including the Annika line and Cutter & Buck's new sub-brand geared toward the next generation of male golfers, CBUK. Each garment featuring Cocona technology is characterized by a sporty, pieced look and active silhouette -- hinting at the incredible performance and physical comfort the garment delivers. "We're very proud to be the first brand to bring the Cocona technology to premium golf apparel," said Julie Snow, vice president of design and merchandising for Cutter & Buck. "Our Spring 2007 collection delivers style, quality, and now the industry-exclusive for Spring 2007 with a technology that we believe to be one of the most exciting offerings currently in the marketplace." "When you look at leading golf apparel brands dedicated to quality, design, heritage and innovation in the marketplace today, one name is synonymous -- Cutter & Buck," said John Mitchell, senior vice president of apparel for Cocona Natural Technology. "It only made sense for us to partner exclusively with the gold standard in golf apparel brands to introduce Cocona(TM) technology to the golf apparel market." Both avid and recreational golfers alike recognize that when the clothing against their skin is dry, they have greater comfort -- they keep warmer when it's cool and cooler when it's hot because the body's natural cooling mechanisms are more effective regardless of the elements. Cocona technology works by dispersing moisture (body sweat) across an enormous surface area created by the activated carbon particles, initiating a rapid evaporative cooling effect similar to wiping a wet cloth across a blackboard. The surface area created by the carbon particles is so great that a men's CB DryTec shirt (size Large) has a similar surface area as a football field. In addition to delivering cooling and dryness, CB ProTec(TM) garments featuring Cocona also block odor thanks to the carbon pore structures, keeping the wearer feeling fresh in a lightweight fabrication. Unlike anti-microbial treatments, odor molecules are naturally adsorbed and negated by the carbon particles. Finally, approximately 98 percent of harmful UV rays are blocked by the Cocona technology, equating to an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+, the highest rating possible. CB DryTec(TM) apparel featuring Cocona technology will not lose performance over the life of the garment since the activated carbon technology is embedded into the fiber. In fact, conventional laundering and drying reactivates the technology and releases trapped odors to completely refresh the garment. The wearer can feel safe knowing that activated carbon is a completely natural technology, commonly used to purify drinking water. Furthermore, Cocona is considered a "green" technology, as it is a natural renewable resource, and the readily available coconut shells used in Cocona are a byproduct of the coconut industry. While other performance fabrics are the result of chemical additives and treatments, Cocona is a natural and safe solution that is both scientifically sound and responsible. Cutter & Buck's expanded performance offerings for Spring 2007 offer best-in-class technologies, keeping the wearer comfortable and protected from the elements. The result of years of rigorous research and development, the CB ProTec(TM) family of innovative sportswear combines fashion with the ultimate in performance fabrics, including: CB WindTec(TM), CB WeatherTec(TM), CB SunTec(TM) and CB ThermaTec(TM), CB DryTec(TM) and now, CB DryTec(TM) featuring Cocona. The other newcomer to CBUK's performance offerings is NanoTex Coolest Comfort(TM), which delivers enhanced performance through advanced moisture wicking. NanoTex uses nanotechnology to transform the molecular structures of fibers, resulting in fabrics that draw moisture away from the skin, balance body temperature, retain softness and create natural breathability. NanoTex(TM) technology will also be introduced in the Cutter Performance Pant constructed from breathable NanoTex(TM) easy care fabric that resists spills and wrinkles in a comfortable stretch fit. Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Specifically, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the following: our ability to control costs and expenses, including costs associated with our marketing initiatives; our ability to maintain our relationships with our sponsored professional golfers; relations with and performance of suppliers; our ability to carry out successful designs and effectively advertise and communicate with the marketplace and to penetrate chosen distribution channels; our ability to appropriately price our products; the number of golf rounds played, which may be impacted by severe weather-related disasters and the weather in general; competition; risks related to the timely performance of third parties, such as shipping companies, including risks of strikes or labor disputes involving these third parties; political and trade relations; the overall level of consumer spending on apparel; and global economic and political conditions. Finally, there may be other factors not mentioned above or included in our SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or developments, except as may be required by securities laws. About Cutter & Buck The company designs and markets upscale sportswear and outerwear under the Cutter & Buck brand. All Cutter & Buck products feature distinctive, comfortable designs, high-quality materials and rich detailing. The company sells its products through golf pro shops and resorts, specialty retail shops, direct-to-consumer catalog, corporate sales and online at cutterbuck.com.