Russell Corporation (NYSE:RML) announced it has acquired Moving Comfort, a leading brand of women's performance activewear, based in Chantilly, VA. Terms of the agreement were not released.

"Moving Comfort has been a leader in developing technically superior athleticwear for women since 1977. Because of their positioning and the continued interest in fitness, we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to expand their sales and market share," said Jack Ward, chairman and CEO. "Additionally, this acquisition fits our strategy to build brands with value added products that support our authentic athletic heritage."

Moving Comfort will now become a line of business within Russell's department and sports specialty stores channel. Its products include performance sport underwear, shorts, pants, tops, and outerwear that support the company's slogan "A fit woman is a powerful woman."

Moving Comfort was a privately owned company founded in 1977. Co-founders Ellen Wessel and Elizabeth Goeke will remain with the organization as president and executive vice president respectively, and long-time partner Andy Novins will continue as vice president of finance.

"We believe that being physically fit improves every aspect of a woman's life," said Wessel. "We have spent 25 years working diligently to design products that help inspire women to get fit and stay fit through whatever her activities might be."

"Moving Comfort has reached the point that we need the additional resources Russell can provide," Wessel added. "Most importantly, Russell and Moving Comfort share the same high regard for our employees, accounts, vendors, and, of course, our consumers. Russell also shares our athletic heritage and our commitment to quality. We helped lead the way in apparel for women's fitness, and clothes for women runners in particular, while Russell Athletic has been on athletic playing fields for nearly 70 years."

About Russell Corporation
Russell Corporation is a leading branded apparel company marketing activewear, casualwear and athletic uniforms under widely-recognized brands, including: Russell Athletic, JERZEES, Mossy Oak, Cross Creek, and Discus. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RML and its website address is www.russellcorp.com.