PORTLAND, OREGON--(Marketwired - May 26, 2014) - Respect Your Universe, Inc. (TSX VENTURE:RYU)(OTCQB:RYUN) ("RYU") is pleased to announce that it has completed a private placement financing for gross proceeds of US$3,160,000, priced at US$0.10 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of RYU and one warrant, with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional share at a price of US$0.25 per share for a period of three years. In connection with the Financing, RYU paid a finder's fee of $316,000 to one finder.
Also, RYU is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcello Leone, Maria Leone and Peter Pan as directors of RYU as well as to announce the appointment of Marcello Leone as President of RYU.
Marcello Leone is highly regarded as a visionary in the fashion industry. Mr. Leone's entrepreneurial spirit is led by his strategic vision, strong leadership and organization, and supported by his ability to raise capital. Mr. Leone is passionate about consumer brands and global distribution and reach. Mr. Leone has been involved with RYU since mid-2011, as an investor. Over the past three years, Mr. Leone founded Naturo Group Investments Inc. Naturo is the owner of Trace Blackwater, a private water beverage company with distribution in over 2,000 locations and growing rapidly. Through 2009, Mr. Leone was instrumental for over 16 years operating one of Canada's largest and most successful independent specialty stores known as LEONE (www.leone.ca). LEONE, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, represents over 30,000 square feet of luxury brands. LEONE'S contemporary division known as L2 represents contemporary designers. Mr. Leone was responsible for the development of new product lines, guiding the buying team, and daily operational duties for LEONE and L2. Led by Mr. Leone and its management team, LEONE has been recognized as one of North America's leading retailers as quoted in Vogue Italy. Mr. Leone is active in charity work, having raised over $1 million for various charities.
Maria Leone is well recognized and respected in the Vancouver business community for her social involvement and her business success. In the early 1970s, in partnership with her husband, Mrs. Leone played an integral part in opening a chain of successful boutiques in Vancouver's most prestigious shopping malls. In 1987, they consolidated all the individual boutiques to open "LEONE", a 30,000 square foot high-end fashion retail store in downtown Vancouver at the historic Sinclair Centre. As Vice President of LEONE, she has been instrumental in the fashion, operation and growth of the well-known retailer for the past 27 years. Mrs. Leone travels extensively to Milan, Paris and New York attending fashion shows, purchasing new product lines and researching new designers. LEONE is recognized as one of North America's premiere fashion destinations offering world class designer labels. Mrs. Leone has contributed to the betterment of her community through her work and support with non-profit organizations and charities.
Peter Pan has 25 years experience in apparel and retail, dating back to 1990 when he founded Union Rich in Hong Kong. Mr. Pan founded China Rich Garments in Beijing in 2001. Spanning both companies, he had two joint venture factories in Beijing and Hangzhou. Through 2010, China Rich Garments was involved in retail in China with its A-Wear label. China Rich Garments has been well recognized for its strong, experienced and professionally trained quality control team in China, having received letters in appreciation by high-level management from J- Crew for its excellent products and its consistency of quality control. China Rich Garments is very experienced in dealing with international customers and has strong ties and connections with the manufactures in China. China Rich Garments clients include a number of North American fashion labels.
RYU also announces that Dale Wallster has resigned as a director of RYU. RYU thanks Mr. Wallster for his contribution and service to RYU.
All securities issued in the Financing will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after closing of the Financing. None of the securities issued in the Financing have been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.
About RYU
Respect Your Universe, Inc. is a performance apparel brand designed for athletes and active adults. Crafted from organic and/or earth-friendly materials, RYU apparel enhances movement, is extremely comfortable and healthy for the environment. Founded in 2008, RYU has incorporated the lessons learned from mixed martial arts into beautiful everyday performance wear. For more information, visit www.ryu.com.
On Behalf of the Board
RESPECT YOUR UNIVERSE, INC.
Marcello Leone, President and Director
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.