CARROLLTON, Texas — Universal Power Group (UPG) has entered into a licensing agreement with Eveready Battery Co., a division of Energizer Holdings, to develop a line of automotive consumer products under the Energizer brand. The deal calls for distribution through mass, specialty and automotive stores. 
The four-year agreement provides UPG with exclusive rights to develop, market and sell Energizer-branded automotive battery chargers and maintainers and automotive jumpstarters. In addition, UPG will have non-exclusive rights to develop, market and sell Energizer-branded power inverters used primarily in the automotive market.
"We are excited to combine our expertise in portable power products and accessories with a trusted brand like Energizer," said Randy Hardin, president and CEO of UPG. "This partnership brings a great benefit to consumers who expect quality and reliability from their portable power products. This also demonstrates the scope of capabilities we bring to the marketplace – from product development and marketing to sourcing, global supply chain management and logistics. Finally, it adds another well-known brand to our strong roster of relationships.”
The new Energizer product line is scheduled to be introduced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 9-11, 2009. The products are expected to appear on retail shelves in summer 2009.
"Partnering with UPG makes sense for Energizer, our retail partners, and for consumers," said Mike Rivard, general manager, New Business Development. "At Energizer, we are committed to giving people the freedom of having the power they need wherever and whenever they need it, whether they’re at home, on the road, or on a camping trip. This new line of products not only can provide drivers with peace of mind, but delivers the power to charge just about anything on the go. We think consumers will be excited to see these products on shelves soon."
