Garnier Fructis Signs with Hendrick, Vickers

CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 25, 2005) – Garnier Fructis and Hendrick Motorsports today announced a multi-year agreement featuring Garnier Fructis as a major associate sponsor of the No. 25 Chevrolets driven by Brian Vickers in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The deal marks the first foray into motor sports by Garnier Fructis, the wildly popular unisex haircare brand owned by L’Oreal USA. In addition to the associate-sponsorship on the No. 25 GMAC / ditech.com Chevrolets in 2005, the union will be highlighted when Vickers and the No. 25 car don the trademark bright green Garnier Fructis color scheme in two races -- April 17 at Texas Motor Speedway and Aug. 7 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “NASCAR has enormous universal appeal,” said Karen Fondu, president, Maybelline New York-Garnier. “NASCAR is more than a sport; it’s a lifestyle. Like Garnier Fructis, NASCAR is dynamic, spirited and all about high performance.” “The energy and excitement of NASCAR connects Garnier Fructis to over 75 million fans, both men and women,” says Cheryl Vitali, senior vice president, marketing, Maybelline New York-Garnier. “We couldn’t be more thrilled about our partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and Brian Vickers, and hope to make many more NASCAR fans Garnier Fructis fans.” Under the associate sponsorship agreement, Vickers will serve as a spokesperson for Garnier Fructis haircare and styling products. His likeness will be featured in print advertising, at point-of-purchase and in-store displays, and throughout public relations campaigns and Internet initiatives. “Hendrick Motorsports is proud to be associated with the folks at Garnier as they embark upon their first season,” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “Haircare products represent a new and unconventional sponsorship category for a NASCAR team, which is certainly a positive thing for everyone in our sport. We’re happy to welcome Garnier to the family and look forward to many years of success.” “I’m excited to be working with Garnier Fructis,” notes Vickers. “Since I began racing, I hoped the title of ‘race-car driver’ was in my future. But haircare model? Now that’s unexpected. It’s great to represent such a cool, fun brand.” As the NEXTEL Cup Series’ youngest competitor in 2004, Vickers, 21, earned two pole positions and four top-10 finishes during his rookie campaign. He also won the NASCAR Busch Series championship in 2003. ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS: Hendrick Motorsports fields teams in two different NASCAR divisions with drivers Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, Brian Vickers, Terry Labonte, Jimmie Johnson, Blake Feese and Boston Reid. The organization has won nine NASCAR championships in the last decade, including five at the NEXTEL Cup Series level. ABOUT GARNIER: Garnier believes in beauty through nature. Scientifically developed and enriched with selected natural ingredients, our products help you look healthy and feel better every day. Established in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, Garnier is the No. 1 beauty brand in France and a trusted leader throughout Europe, Asia, Canada and Mexico. Dedicated to providing a new vision for health with high quality beauty products, Garnier also provides a wide range of haircare, skincare and sun care products throughout the world. The Garnier family of U.S. products consists of Garnier Fructis shampoos and conditioners, Garnier Fructis Style styling products, Garnier Nutrisse haircolor and Garnier 100 percent Color haircolor.