Brother International Corporation and Simplicity Pattern Co. Inc. Announce Plans to Host Joint Events in 2007

Business Wire, Feb 20, 2007

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. & NEW YORK -- Brother International Corporation, a leading supplier of home sewing and embroidery machines and Simplicity Pattern Co. Inc. a worldwide company that designs, produces, markets and distributes sewing patterns for consumers who enjoy home sewing activities, announced today that the companies plan to host joint events in 2007. Planned events include educational programs and training sessions at select authorized Brother Innov-is Dealers and special programs at sewing, crafting and consumer shows. The companies are also discussing ideas to work together to expand the sewing and embroidery marketplace.

"Sewing is experiencing a strong resurgence. We are seeing people of all ages using Brother machines and Simplicity patterns to create and customize clothing as well as embellish many different items such as bags, pillows and quilts. Simplicity is a leader in the field of creating, developing and educating consumers about sewing and using patterns. Simplicity's customers are the same people who are looking for high quality sewing and embroidery machines that are technologically advanced and easy to use," said Dean F. Shulman, senior vice president of Brother and head of the company's Home Appliance Division.

"We are also tracking industry trends and we are seeing a strong upsurge in the interest in sewing and crafting across the country. By working with Brother we strengthen our ability to reach more consumers and educate them about our patterns and products," said Frank Rizzo, President of Simplicity Pattern Co. Inc.

The management of both companies believes the synergies created by co-hosting events across the country will help them reach more potential customers and expand the younger audience for sewing products. The companies share a common philosophy of commitment to quality and providing superior products, educational materials and support to its customers.

Brother and Simplicity plan to release a schedule of joint events shortly. For more information about Brother International Corporation go to www.brother.com, to learn more about Simplicity go to www.simplicity.com.

About Brother International Corporation

Brother offers a full line of home sewing machines, from basic to top-of-the-line sewing and embroidery machines. The company is recognized for its high-quality state-of-the-art machines and accessories, all which offer ease-of-use and flexibility at affordable prices. Brother can be found on the Web at www.brother.com.

The Brother International Corporation office in Bridgewater, NJ is the corporate headquarters in the Americas (from Canada to South America), and it has fully integrated sales, marketing services, manufacturing, and research and development capabilities. Brother also has facilities in California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Tennessee, as well as subsidiaries in Ohio, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Argentina.

About Simplicity Pattern Co. Inc.

Simplicity Pattern Co. Inc. is a worldwide company that designs, produces, markets, and distributes sewing patterns for consumers that practice and enjoy home sewing activities. The Company is headquartered in New York City, where it was founded in 1927. The executive management team, sales and marketing staff, and product design group are all based the New York City office.

The company's production and distribution operations are located in Niles Michigan. The Niles facility, is Simplicity's principal operating location for production, distribution, and administration areas. The Simplicity brand name is a widely recognized and respected brand name with consumers in all markets. Licensing contracts have been established with several companies to produce and market other products such as notions, doll house kits, toy sewing machines and other sewing supplies under the Simplicity name.