Renowned Italian jeweller, Bulgari, has entered into a 6-year licensing agreement with Waterford Wedgwood, which will produce Bulgari branded table and giftware. Under the terms of the agreement, Waterford Wedgwood subsidiary Rosenthal will design, manufacture and market porcelain, silver and crystal under the jeweller's name. The Bulgari collection will be sold through Bulgari stores and a further 1000 retailers, including the Rosenthal-owned StudioHause chain. Waterford Wedgwood recently announced a 1.09% share buyback of 8m shares for I£4.64m. The firm reported pre-tax profits of I£9m (I£10.2m) in the first six months of 1997, but raised its interim dividend to 0.40p (0.35p). Chairman, Tony O'Reilly said the change in market conditions in Asia had moderated growth in 1998, but Waterford Crystal and other improvements would contain the impact.
