PUMA(R) ADDS BMW WILLIAMSF1 TO ITS FORMULA ONE PADDOCK / PUMA(R) SIGNS SUPPLIER CONTRACT WITH THE BMW WILLIAMSF1 TEAM

Herzogenaurach, Germany (ots) - PUMA(R) AG and BMW WilliamsF1 Team today announced that they have signed a multi-year contract. PUMA AG will become the official supplier of footwear, teamwear and fireproof racewear to the BMW WilliamsF1 Team.

"We look forward to working with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, which is part of the Formula One elite", says Jochen Zeitz, CEO and Chairman of PUMA AG. "The BMW WilliamsF1 Team has finished second for two years running and will certainly challenge for the championship in 2004. The team also nicely combines high-performance with lifestyle, which fits perfectly with PUMA's brand philosophy."

Dr. Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director is looking forward to the cooperation with PUMA: "The demands on a Formula One Team are very high. The right clothing is an important factor in that. Whether you are racing in the subtropical climate of Malaysia, under typical German weather conditions or whether you are travelling from and to races - quality, functionality and design of the teamwear must be right."

PUMA(R) performance racing shoes were first used by various drivers and teams in the 1970s and early 1980s. And since 1998 PUMA's motorsport division has gradually assembled an impressive portfolio of sponsorships. In the 2004 season PUMA will be the official supplier of racing gear in several motorsport disciplines such as Formula One, F 3000, motocross, WRC etc.

PUMA(R) is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com.