Quiksilver Launches Golf Line.

Business Editors

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 16, 2001

Robert B. McKnight, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quiksilver, Inc. (NYSE:ZQK), today announced the launch of the Company's new golf division.

This new venture is in association with John Ashworth, co-founder of the golf apparel company that bears his last name. "John Ashworth is a true pioneer in the modern golf apparel business, and we are fortunate to have him as a partner in this endeavor," stated Mr. McKnight. He added, "For quite some time we have been analyzing the best way for Quiksilver to enter the golf apparel business. When John originally approached us, we decided to lend him a hand and provide him access to our resources. Now that we've both had time to evaluate this opportunity, we've decided to join forces."

Ashworth will serve as President of the new division and will oversee the design process as well as sales and marketing. "John will have plenty of talented help, including Vice-President of Merchandising, Robert Redding, an experienced Quiksilver merchant," stated McKnight. He added, "John and Robert have a similar sense of style and together they make a great team. Additionally, John will have all the resources of Quiksilver at his disposal." Ashworth commented, "Quiksilver is the perfect match for me. For many years I have admired not only their accomplishments, but also their unique way of doing business. The first time I walked through the front door I knew intuitively that this was the right venue for me to re-enter the golf apparel business."

The new line, called Fidra will be introduced at the upcoming PGA show in Orlando, January 26th through January 29th. The name Fidra comes from a small rocky island just off the coast of East Lothian, Scotland - considered the birthplace of golf. Legend has it that a group of local villagers from a town called Direlton laid out a 9-hole course in the early 1930's. They didn't have a groundskeeper, so each family was responsible for maintaining one hole. With no fee to play, the course served as a source of recreation and a popular meeting place.

Mr. McKnight indicated that the line is designed for young male golfers between the ages of 25 and 40. "We think there's a real opportunity in this untapped niche in the golf apparel business," he added. The Fidra line is styled from premium cotton and modern blended fabrics. The look will take form by using classic styling of previous decades with the sensibilities of the present. This blend will form a sophisticated yet casual approach to dressing for a social round of golf. If the game becomes highly competitive, the clothes are also designed for maximum comfort and performance.

Quiksilver designs, produces and distributes clothing, accessories and related products for active-minded people and develops brands that represent a casual lifestyle - driven from a boardriding heritage. Quiksilver's authenticity is evident in its innovative products, events and retail environments across the globe.

Quiksilver's primary focus is apparel for young men and young women under the Quiksilver, Quiksilver Roxy, Raisins, Radio Fiji and Hawk Clothing labels. Quiksilver also manufactures apparel for boys (Quiksilver Boys and Hawk Clothing), girls (Teenie Wahine and Raisins Girls), men (QS Silver Edition) and women (Leilani and Alex Goes), as well as snowboards, snowboard boots and bindings under the Lib Technologies, Gnu and Bent Metal labels. Quiksilver's products are sold throughout the world, primarily in surf shops and specialty stores that provide an outstanding retail experience for their customers.

NOTE: For further information about Quiksilver, Inc., you are invited to take a look at our world at http://www.quiksilver.com, http://www.mervin.com, and http://www.hawkclothing.com.