In 2009, "Coty""s market share will see a steady growth

2008 was a good year for "Coty" Romania.

Viorel Ognean, General Manager of the Company, states:

"Our sales increased by more than 15% compared to last year and almost all of our brands saw their market share increase. Each brand was separately supported at one time, and in Q4 2008 we tried to be a little more frugal".

During the last few years, "Coty" has been the market leader in the area of fragrances for women, with a market share of over 30%. Among its most important brands, Celine Dion is the leader, with a 10% market share, followed by Adidas, Pret a Porter, Pierre Cardin, Kylie Minogue, Chanson, which strengthened their positions. Among the fragrances for men stands out Adidas, with a market share of more than 10%, followed closely by Pierre Cardin and Beckham.

Viorel Ognean also said: "I believe that the first six months of 2009 will be more difficult, because of the ambient created by the global financial crisis, and I feel we will see a slowing of the market growth rate. However, I believe that the Romanian economy will be less affected than those of the Western countries, because Romanians are used to hardships and they will succeed in managing their money more efficiently. I estimate that in about six months, Romanians will leave this state of panic and they will return to the habits they have acquired in the recent years".

Coty"s goals for 2009, are to keep its position as leader for the women"s fragrances market and if possible, to win the top spot on the male fragrances market. "For this year we are planning to expand our range of men"s fragrances and to launch a completely new brand.

Just like we have done it in all our years in the Romanian market, we will continue to come up with new things in the field of fragrances and cosmetics", Mr. Ognean concluded.