THE ATHLETE'S FOOT SOLD FOR $51.5M.(Aether Holdings)

Daily News Record, August, 2006 by Young, Vicki M.

Byline: VICKI M. YOUNG

NEW YORK -Now that it's got The Athlete's Foot, Aether Holdings is itching to establish its own new identity.

Aether president and CEO Robert D'Loren said last Tuesday's $51.5 million acquisition of the athletic footwear giant represents Aether's first step toward building a diverse portfolio of consumer brands and franchise-related properties. The holding company, which acquired UCC Capital in June, will now start doing business as NexCen Brands Inc. It also plans to exit the mortgage-backed securities business.

"The Athlete's Foot is a retail brand that is recognized by consumers worldwide," said D'Loren in a statement. "This franchise system will provide us not only with an historical and growing revenue stream,...