. ADRIANO ZUCCALA, VIBRAM CEO, ANALYSES THE SITUATION

The world economy is currently in a period of "wait and see". However, for Vibram, the crisis has also opened up a number of opportunities, as in the past. On markets, a strong, reliable brand stands for quality and facilitates product sell out.

A number of points stand out.

1. The solid positions of Vibram in traditional outdoor sectors (mountaineering, via ferrata, trekking, cross-country, telemark) and in the work & safety sector in the United States.
2. The growing presence of Vibram in the work & safetysector in Europe.
3. The development of new products targeting young and trendy groups (motorcycling, trail running, snowboarding and freeriding).
4. A major increase (+ 15 to 20%) is planned in resoling
5. A slight improvement is expected in city wear

. VIBRAM: BRAND, QUALITY, INNOVATION

Vibram will continue with its BQI, Brand Quality Innovation strategy.

To encourage innovation, Vibram has launched collaborative efforts with research institutes and universities.

A number of new Vibram® compounds were launched at the end of 2008 and the start of 2009:

1. ICETREK
2. IDROGRIP
3. a new climbing compound

Several awards for the Vibram® FiveFingers™ products demonstrate Vibram know-how in turning out innovative design.

1. Italian Creativity Prize 2008
2. Grand Ethical Design Award 2008
3. A special mention for FiveFingers™, listed by TIME magazine as one of 100 best inventions in 2007.

. VIBRAM MANAGEMENT

In the beginning of 2008, manufacturing activities, R&D, marketing and communication were reorganised following the arrival of the new CEO, Adriano Zuccala.

For the coming year, the plan is to reinforce the structure in the U.S. and hire new people for the opening of the Vibram China Tech Center (VTC).

. VIBRAM CHINA TECH CENTER SOON TO OPEN

On the basis of its rich history and with an eye always turned to the future, Vibram policy has put research and development at the heart of its strategy and the concrete result of that policy is the opening of the Vibram China Tech Center.

The inauguration of the Vibram China Tech Center is scheduled for the fall of 2009 in a major event bringing together Vibram workers and partners.

. A BRIGHT FUTURE?

Why are the Vibram management and workers optimistic?

1. Because Vibram remains an icon in terms of lasting quality and innovation
2. Because over the past few years, Vibram has focused on product innovation and research for greater performance
3. Because Vibram has invested in creativity, in particular in FiveFingers™
4. Because even if difficulties arise in a traditional sector, Vibram can count on more recent developments, such as work & safety and all the new trends (skateboarding, snowboarding, motorcycling, freeriding, trail running).
5. Because Vibram continues to reinforce its visibility by participating in shows, sponsoring events and international testimonials

. WINTER PRODUCTS 2009/2010
Snowboard

Because snow sports are synonymous with aesthetics and youth, the field’s market leaders such as Burton and K2 get involved in ever closer relations with Vibram:
VIBRAM® Snow-vibe sole, riding in harmony with the board
VIBRAM® Driver X, traction at 360 degrees
VIBRAM® UltraLight, grip and lightness in one solution

Freeride
Today Vibram offers its know how to many winter sports, not only telemark and mountaineering ski, but also freeride.
Whether reaching the ski lifts more safely, practicing extreme freeriding or accessing the most beautiful slopes, Vibram® technology has redefined the ideas of adherence, precision and sensitivity:
VIBRAM® Rally, maximum safety for extreme challenges
VIBRAM® FreeSky, double material for a double safety
VIBRAM® Healt, Healt, your best ally on snow

VIBRAM snow partners are SCARPA - ROSSIGNOL - LANGE - HEAD - K2 - BURTON - LOWA - TECNICA - DALBELLO - CRISPI.

. VIBRAM, LEADING PROCESS AND COMPOUNDS
VIBRAM® 2CM
Look is important and emphasized also after the competition, while walking or on an “after-ski” break, time when the sole shows up and gets to be seen. The colours of Vibram® soles, resulting of the VIBRAM® 2CM process, contribute to be young, trendy, and still guarantee grip and safety. Vibram®, a brand of all times appreciated in mountainous environment and extreme situations.

VIBRAM® Icetrek
Each Vibram compound is designed for specific purposes and offers certain advantages for different uses. The Vibram R&D team continues its research efforts in close conjunction with the most famous brands in the various market sectors. Vibram® IceTrek provides maximum grip on snow-covered and icy terrain.

. IN TOUCH WITH REAL LIFE

For Vibram, it is important to be actively present in the field, where you need it. We learn how people actually use equipment and can provide outstanding athletes with our best know-how. Vibram is also in close contact with consumers via the sponsored athletes and its presence in an array of events.

VIBRAM NATURAL GAMES – At the end of June 2009, in Millau (southern France), sports and adrenaline will rhyme with environmental protection, exactly the type of program for Vibram.

The North Face® ULTRA-TRAIL DU MONT- BLANC – This is THE reference in long-distance trail. Vibram will be Official Partner in next edition (August 2009)

MARCO OLMO – An outstanding figure in trail running and ultra trail who will provide Vibram with his full experience and technical know-how for the development and testing of new soles specifically designed for mountain racing.

TEAM LAFUMA VIBRAM SPORT 2000 – Vibram will support in 2009 the Lafuma Vibram outdoor-multisports team, made up of about 20 high-level semi-professional athletes specialised in trail running, mountain biking, canyoning, orientation, in-line skating and kayaking.

CESARE PISONI – Thanks to Cesare Pisoni, Vibram has reinforced its development and testing procedures in the field and drawn closer to the people doing new sports.

CaSTA – Vibram supports CaSTA, known as the world championship in military skiing. the Alpine troops will be able to learn about the latest technologies developed by manufacturers in the Sponsor village.

PYRAMIDE D’OZ – Vibram supported the 13th edition of this French stage in the World ski mountaineering championship.

HUSQVARNA – Vibram has sponsored the Husqvarna team since 2007 (supermotard and enduro in 2007-2008, motocross in 2009) and racked up the Supermotard 2007 and 2008 world championship titles, thanks in particular to racer Adrien Chareyre.

Have a look the the whole ISPO Winter 09 Press Release pdf file in the DOWNLOADS section.

For French version:

albane@osella-consultants.com

pierre@osella-consultants.com