PRESS RELEASE

Jon Ragsdale
Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co.
817.810.4379
jragsdale@dickies.com

Kevin Huckle 
Kodiak Holdings Inc.
519.620.4001
kevin.huckle@kodiakboots.com

Heidi McKinley
214.443.7578
heidi.mckinley@edelman.com

DICKIES® ACQUIRES KODIAK GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
Agreement Underscores Dickies Growth Strategy; Combining Top Brands In Work Apparel and Rugged Work and Outdoor Footwear

FORT WORTH, Texas (April 1, 2008) – Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., makers of Dickies®, the leading global workwear brand, announces that it has acquired Kodiak Group Holdings Inc., Canada’s leading manufacturer and distributor of work and outdoor footwear. The acquisition underscores Dickies global growth strategy and unifies the leadership of the Dickies and Kodiak brands in Canada and the United States.

Under the agreement, Kodiak will operate as an affiliate of Dickies and maintain its brand names, licensing program and stores. Kodiak manufactures Kodiak and Terra boots, including safety footwear and casual footwear, licenses apparel and accessories and owns Terra Footwear. Additionally, the company operates Work Authority stores throughout Canada, Kodiak+ISECO stores in Ontario through a joint venture with the Industrial Safety Equipment Company, and five Terra Factory Footwear stores in Newfoundland. Kodiak is an iconic Canadian brand recognized for rugged, quality products many of which are still produced in Canadian factories.

“The Kodiak and Dickies brands are complementary – both are rich in heritage and resonate with durability and quality,” said Kevin Huckle, president of Kodiak Group Holdings, Inc. “This acquisition marks an exciting opportunity for Kodiak. It allows us to continue to manufacture our products and maintain our high brand standards as we leverage the strengths of each organization.”

Dickies and Kodiak are both family founded brands established in the early 1900s. The two companies have stayed true to their roots and continued to focus on their mutually shared core customer, the everyday worker.

“This acquisition continues our North American and global growth strategy, which in part includes identifying brands and products that mirror the values and authenticity of Dickies,” said Philip Williamson, chief executive officer for Dickies. “Kodiak is a natural addition to Dickies and will allow us to expand our offerings to meet the needs of our core customers. Because of this, we feel privileged to be able to take this important step for our business and the Dickies brand.”

Kodiak will continue to manufacture and distribute its footwear and apparel through its existing channels providing consumers in Canadian markets with products that have become legendary through decades of work and outdoor use.

In compliment to Kodiak’s footwear, Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. recently signed a multi-year extension with Rocky Outdoor Gear® for continued license of Dickies footwear in U.S. markets.

About Kodiak
Known for its innovation and a history that dates back to 1912, Kodiak has earned an international reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Lightweight and comfortable, Kodiak boots are built for maximum protection on the job site and total enjoyment outdoors. Kodiak's licensing program ranges from a complete clothing selection to a full line of outdoor accessories. Kodiak is a dominant force in the industrial footwear and outerwear market. It owns and operates Work Authority retail stores and a national fleet of mobile truck units.

About Dickies
Since its beginnings in Fort Worth, Texas in 1922, the Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company has grown from a humble manufacturer of bib overalls into a global brand powerhouse, with DICKIES work pants, shirts, denim, outerwear, school uniforms, outdoor gear, medical and chefs apparel and an extensive licensing program offering sturdy head-to-toe clothing options for hardworking men and women of all ages, professions, regions and interests. Williamson-Dickie operates through subsidiaries in North America, Canada and Europe as well as exclusive distributorship around the world.

Return to the Headlines