Columbia Sportswear Signs License Agreement with Cerf Bros. for Adventure Travel Bags; Outdoor Apparel Leader Expands Product Line for Spring 2001.

Business Editors

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 27, 2000

Building on the large and growing appeal of its brand, Columbia Sportswear Company(R) (Nasdaq:COLM) today announced it has entered into a license agreement with Cerf Brothers Bag Company to design, manufacture, and market backpacks and adventure travel bags.

The extensive collection of bags will be available in stores for Spring 2001.

Columbia Sportswear estimates that the relevant U.S. bag market will be approximately $350 million this year alone. President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Boyle said, &uot;It is very clear that today's society is becoming more mobile and global. This mobility contributes to the burgeoning recreational travel trends in the bag industry. We are very enthusiastic about the business opportunities that await Columbia with the launch of this program.&uot;

Columbia opted to pursue a license agreement rather than to manufacture the bags in-house. &uot;The travel bag collection is a logical next step in our calculated product line expansion and a complement to our current outdoor apparel. The Cerf Brothers Company has a long history of producing top-of-the-line bags. Manufacturing bags doesn't necessarily fit into Columbia's manufacturing competency,&uot; said Boyle. &uot;We decided to help ensure our success in this category by entering into this agreement with a known expert in the industry.&uot;

The new bag collection will include duffel bags, (wheeled and non wheeled), cargo bags, rucksacks, travel bags, tote bags, toiletry bags, utility bags, pouches, backpacks, courier packs, waist packs, organizers, agendas, wallets, cellular phone cases, camera cases, and attache cases.

Cerf Brothers President, Jerry Michelson praised the new affiliation with Columbia Sportswear. &uot;Cerf Brothers is an 85-year old family business currently managed by the 3rd generation. We're proud of our reputation. We seek business relationships only with companies that have proven themselves as dependable, versatile, and customer responsive. Additionally, we understand the power of the Columbia brand and believe that their label will translate well into the bag category.&uot;

St. Louis-based Cerf Brothers Bag Company is a premier manufacturer of quality bags as well as ponchos, temporary shelters, and various camping accessories.

Founded in 1938 in Portland, Ore., Columbia Sportswear Company(R) is a global leader in the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and the leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the Company has developed an international reputation by expanding its product line, emphasizing quality, performance, functionality and value. To learn more about Columbia Sportswear, please visit the Company's Web site at www.columbia.com.

The Beanstalk Group, Columbia Sportswear's New York-headquartered trademark licensing agency of record, assisted in this transaction.