WANT TO JOIN THE HEADWEAR ASSOCATION? Some of you have expressed a desire to attend next years’ Headwear Association dinner at Tavern on the Green in NYC. For information about the dinner or about joining the HA contact: Kathy Milligan, C/O Dorfman-Pacific Co., Inc. P.O. Box 213005, Stockton, CA 95219-9005 - 209-982-1400 ext.133 or 800-437-4287 or email at: kathy.milligan@dorfman-pacific.com

IMPERIAL HEADWEAR IS BUZZING WITH NEWS: Imperial Headwear has partnered with BUZZ OFF Insect Shield to make hats, caps and clothing with insect repellency. BUZZ OFF™ Insect Shield Insect Repellent Apparel is the first insect-repellent clothing to be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The clothing gives protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers and midges, and lasts for 25 washings. For more information visit www.buzzoff.com or www.imperialheadwear.com.

IMPERIAL HEADWEAR SOLD: MCG Global, LLC, a private equity firm in Westport, CT, acquired Denver-based Imperial Headwear, from Arena Brands. Founded in 1916 Imperial sells 75% of its goods to the golf industry and has partnered with the PGA and USGA for 15 years.

The senior management team, led by President John Bond, will remain with Imperial. “The balance sheet is geared to promote expansion and innovation. In addition to the solid base of their business, Imperial has numerous untapped opportunities that we have already begun to aggressively target,” said an executive.

Imperial sells men’s and women’s baseball-style caps (including the X210), visors, bucket hats and straw hats, as well as hatpins and golf club headcovers for golf clubs. They also sell resorts in the Caribbean and overseas.

MCG Global is a private equity firm formed in 1995 by S. Garrett Stonehouse and Vincent A. Wasik. They do leveraged buyout acquisitions and growth capital investments in undervalued middle market companies.

Who says headwear companies are not hot commodities!

WOLVERINE ANNOUNCES NEW LICENSE AGREEMENT: Wolverine Boots and Gear announced an agreement with Paramount Apparel International to develop and market Wolverine headwear for men. The headwear will incorporate the Wolverine brand, which signifies work, ruggedness and comfort.

Kevin Smith, VP of Wolverine Brand Licensing at Wolverine World Wide, Inc., noted that the search for a strong licensing partner had been intensive and that Paramount Apparel International displayed an impressive level of expertise and experience with its 70-year history in the headwear industry. Said Smith.” Wolverine headwear will be available at select retailers nation-wide beginning fall 2005.

NEW ERA LINKED TO HOCKEY HALL OF FAME: New Era Cap Co. entered into an exclusive relationship with the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) in Toronto, Canada this month. The new agreement makes New Era the exclusive licensee and supplier of the HHOF headwear. New Era will produce headwear for HHOF and sell its goods in Canada, the US and Europe. "New Era is excited to expand its presence in the world of hockey with its newly formed partnership with the Hockey Hall of Fame," said New Era Vice President of Alliances Greg Via.

POP SINGER GWEN STEFANI STEPS INTO FASHION: Gwen Stefani expanded her Lamb fashion line to include HATS, cameras, underwear, stationary and baby clothes. Stefani launched a line last year and recently launched a more affordable line, Harajuku Lovers. "Everyone has a camera as an accessory. I thought it might be cute to have a camera that will go with your outfit and your underwear. “I'm making cameras to match underwear; just what every girl needs. The line will include mobile phone charms, handbags, T’s as well and is available in June.