NexCen Brands Inc announced that it has closed on the acquisition of the trademarks and other intellectual property of The Shoe Box Inc in partnership with the Camuto Group. The Shoe Box Inc is a multi-brand luxury shoe retailer based in New York.

Utilizing the expertise of NexCen Franchise Management, NexCen's Atlanta-based franchising division, and the design and development talent of the Camuto Group, a premier women's fashion footwear company, the companies intend to franchise The Shoe Box's luxury footwear concept domestically and internationally.

NexCen and the Camuto Group will seek to roll out in excess of 500 of The Shoe Box stores globally, providing women with high-end fashion footwear and accessories. The Shoe Box will allow the Camuto Group to prominently feature brands from their broad portfolio.

NexCen has also entered into a 30-year licensing agreement with the Camuto Group to develop women's footwear for all categories of NexCen's luxury brand, Bill Blass. The franchise platform will also provide the ideal vehicle for the Camuto Group to create product for Bill Blass as a key component of The Shoe Box strategy. Building on the strength of the iconic brand, the Camuto Group will design, manufacture and distribute the luxury women's footwear for NexCen.

"This partnership creates the first fully vertically integrated property in our brand portfolio," commented Robert W. D'Loren, President and CEO of NexCen.

"Through this partnership, we shall control brand marketing, development, retail franchising and manufacturing through our partner, the Camuto Group, providing us with a unique opportunity to build value for our Bill Blass brand. Additionally, we provide NexCen franchise owners worldwide with the opportunity to invest in a new footwear retailing model -- the first international multi-brand luxury footwear chain."

Partnering with the Camuto Group allows NexCen to offer franchise owners inventory from the most prolific design, manufacturing and development resource in women's fashion footwear. Founded in 2001 by Vince Camuto, the co-founder and former CEO of the Nine West Group, Inc., the Camuto Group offers preeminent brands including Jessica Simpson, BCBG Max Azria, BCBGirls, Vince Camuto and Arturo Chiang.

Vince Camuto stated, "We are thrilled by our new partnership with NexCen. Their track record of building successful premium brands and growing them on a global basis makes NexCen a strong partner.

In addition, the opportunity to add Bill Blass to the stable of the Camuto Group brands is the perfect complement to our existing success and growth in the marketplace. Finally, The Shoe Box stores will be a perfect way to introduce the new Bill Blass line to the consumer."

The owner of The Shoe Box Inc, Richard Kirschenbaum, will become a partner in the joint venture and will also take on a consulting role with NexCen to assist in marketing the new franchise concept, merchandising and training franchise owners.

"We are delighted to be working with NexCen Brands, a world leader in footwear franchising, to grow our operation," commented Mr. Kirschenbaum. "NexCen and the Camuto Group are the ideal brand-building partners. From manufacturing to distribution, merchandising to marketing, they have the broadest depth of knowledge and expertise of any players in the industry."