OAK BROOK, Illinois, July 7 /PRNewswire/ —

- International football Star Drives Global Marketing Campaign for
Sharpie as New Advertising Kicks into Gear

Sharpie(R) markers debuts its global TV ads featuring football superstar
David Beckham. The popular autograph brand, which earlier this year announced
a two-year global partnership with Beckham, expects to score big with the new
ads.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/sharpie/32858/

The TV spot, set to air in select markets around the world starting in
July, shows Beckham using various Sharpie markers to autograph a variety of
unusual items for fans. When the time comes to return the Sharpie marker to
its owner, Beckham resists. Ultimately, his quick moves and clever thinking
lead to a happy ending for all, but in the process, viewers get a good laugh
– and a good look — at Beckham.

Following are the regional ad launch dates along with select networks it
will air on:

— Australia - June 22; MTV, Pay TV
— United Kingdom - July 1; Programme TBC
— New Zealand - July 6; TV1, TV2, TV3, TV4
— United States - July 7; Bravo, TBS, TLC, HGTV, USA, TNT, ABC Family
— Canada - August 18; MuchMoreMusic, W, HGTV, TSN, Canal Vie Musimax
— Latin America - details coming soon

It was directed by Simon Cole and developed by Young & Rubicam’s Brand
Buzz agency based in New York.

“I’m pleased to work with Sharpie as a partner,” said Beckham. “It seems
natural as I use their markers regularly to sign autographs. I had great fun
doing this advert and I hope everyone enjoys it.”
“The Sharpie brand has strong awareness in the United States, and our
partnership with Beckham elevates our brand for a more global footprint
around the world,” said Howard Heckes, Sharpie Global Business Unit
President. “Now that we’ve introduced the partnership, we’re ready to unveil
the TV ad that makes light of the Beckham autograph experience in a way we
think will resonate with Sharpie marker fans everywhere.”
Sharpie Kicks Off Global Promotion, Web Site and More

The Sharpie brand partnership with Beckham includes a fully integrated
global marketing campaign in key regions around the world, including North
America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. The campaign includes
advertising, in-store displays, packaging (in select markets), and a revamped
global Web site. It also includes a consumer promotion encouraging people to
“Write Out Loud(R) with Sharpie & Win” for a chance to meet David Beckham in
person.

Over the next two years with schedules varying per market, consumers can
enter the “Write Out Loud with Sharpie & Win” promotion by visiting
www.sharpie.com and submitting images of everyday items — from the mundane
to the outlandish — that they’ve designed, decorated and decked out using
Sharpie markers. Sneakers, backpacks, t-shirts, and soccer balls are just the
start of the many canvases (safe and legal, of course) awaiting the bold mark
of a Sharpie marker. Entrants are encouraged to “think Beckham and be bold”
for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to meet David Beckham in person.
Go to www.sharpie.com for complete contest details.

The Sharpie brand appeals to a wide variety of fans and has a long
history of sports sponsorships in the United States. Among the top-name
athletes who have previously partnered with the Sharpie brand are NASCAR’s
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Pro football wide receiver Terrell Owens, Pro Football
Hall of Famers Steve Young and Howie Long, and legendary golfers Arnold
Palmer and Gary Player. Many athletes use Sharpie markers to sign autographs
because they leave a bold mark.

For more information on the Sharpie Beckham partnership, go to
www.sharpie.com.

About Sharpie(R)

For more than 40 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent
marker associated with the autograph experience. Newell Rubbermaid Office
Products Group, maker of Sharpie(R) markers, is a worldwide leader in the
manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office
organization and technology products, including such well known brands as
Paper Mate(R), Sharpie(R), DYMO(R) Parker(R), Waterman(R), EXPO(R),
uni-ball(R), and Rolodex(R), among others. Visit www.sharpie.com for more
information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Susan Wassel, Sharpie
Ph: 1-630-481-2018
Mobile: 1-630-290-0025
susan.wassel@sanford.com

Agatha Thaller, Weber Shandwick
Ph: 1-314-552-6785
Mobile: 1-314-607-0059
athaller@webershandwick.com

Sharpie Addresses Consumer Needs with New Pen for Everyday Writing

Launching exclusively in North America, Sharpie is proud to introduce the
first-ever Sharpie Pen — which makes a bold mark like only a Sharpie can,
but doesn’t bleed through paper. Offering a smooth, high-quality everyday
writing experience, Sharpie Pen features a specially formulated permanent ink
that delivers bold and vivid colors while also being fade-, water- and
smear-resistant. Available wherever office products are sold, the Sharpie
Pen is perfect for thank-you notes, birthday cards, journaling, and
note-taking at home, work and school. It is available in black, blue, red and
green. Go to www.sharpie.com for more information.

Web site: http://www.sharpie.com
Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/sharpie/32858

Sharpie