G-III Apparel Group has entered into a license agreement with The Timberland Company to produce a leather outerwear collection for men that will launch in the autumn 2002 season.

According to G-III, the new range will build on Timberland's rugged outdoor sportswear collection, targeted specifically at the leather outerwear sectors in department stores and specialty retail outlets. The offering will feature a full range of styles, from rugged bombers and field coats in distressed leathers, to work-casual jackets in nubuck and finished leathers.

G-III Apparel Group is a manufacturer and distributor of leather and non-leather outerwear apparel. The company has licensing agreements with the US National Football League, National Hockey League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and more than 50 universities nation-wide.

Morris Goldfarb, chief executive officer of G-III, said he was "delighted" to be working with Timberland, adding: "We look forward to the opportunity to help extend the brand and solidify Timberland's position in the premium leather outerwear marketplace."

Marc Schneider, general manager of apparel at Timberland, said "G-III brings impressive scale and a wealth of expertise to the Timberland team, for everything from design to production to distribution."