Response from Puma

"PUMA sources directly through WorldCat as well as through licensees and subsidiaries. Suppliers through licensees and subsidiaries are encouraged to apply to become WorldCat suppliers, which receive priority orders and key support in areas of quality, production and puma.safe compliance. We implemented a Strategic Partner Concept and Vendor Rating System in early 2005 for WorldCat suppliers, which essentially formalized the process in which supplier performance is rated. Key suppliers are reviewed against key strategic parameters, which are long term in nature, aside from Techical parameters of price, quality and delivery lead times. Adherence to puma.safe standards and commitment to PUMA are two key Strategic Criteria in the Vendor Rating System. PUMA maintains long-term relationships with key suppliers. Some suppliers in footwear have been manufacturing for PUMA for 20 years. By adding all suppliers to this rating system – including our long-term partners - we are able to apply an objective performance rating for each supplier. This helps them to identify areas of improvement which is a clear benefit of the Strategic Partnership. It is possible for PUMA to give accurate information on the length of our relationships with WorldCat suppliers. Information on licensee and subsidiary suppliers, however, is not available yet. "