US-based developer of accessory footwear R.G. Barry Corporation has entered into an agreement with Italian licensing and marketing company BasicNet S.p.A., through BasicNet's US affiliate, to become the exclusive licensee in the

United States and, beginning in July 2008, in Canada for the high-end Superga brand of canvas/active fashion footwear.

Commenting on the deal, Greg Tunney, CEO and president of R.G. Barry, said,    "The acquisition of the Superga license is a natural continuation of our long-term growth strategy. The canvas/active fashion footwear category is growing, and the depth of resources available to us through our collaboration with Superga will allow us to quickly enter this important segment with an internationally-known brand. Although the Superga name is relatively unknown in North America, in the minds of many Western European consumers it is on par with other leading international luxury footwear and accessory brands.”

The Superga brand, which was founded in Italy in 1911, originally specialised in rubber-soled footwear. As its business grew, Superga added vulcanised constructions and a variety of styles that span a broad spectrum from fashion to traditional classic footwear.