Ray Lui and Remy Martin(R) Join Forces as Partners in Excellence

Ray Lui and Remy Martin(R) Join Forces as Partners in Excellence

Star of Film and Television Announces Two-Year Relationship with Renowned Cognac Maker

PASADENA, Calif., March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Remy Martin XO Excellence Fine Champagne Cognac -- the number one selling XO in the United States, today announced a partnership with "China's Favorite Actor," Hong Kong television and film star Ray Lui. The partnership celebrates Lui's hard-won career success and the appreciation for rarity and quality shared by both Lui and Remy Martin.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070301/NYTH245 )

Created in the heart of the Cognac region in France, Remy Martin XO Excellence is a superior quality Fine Champagne Cognac. Ray Lui, who first rose to fame in the acclaimed TV series The Bund alongside Chow Yun-Fat, is also one of a kind. Among the many honors he has received, Lui was recently named "China's Favorite Actor" in a poll conducted by CCTV. He portrays unique characters and takes great pride in his craft. The inspiring spirit of both Ray Lui and Remy Martin makes this relationship a true partnership in excellence.

The two-year alliance was announced at a press conference and dinner in Pasadena, where Hall of Fame basketball star and long-time Remy Martin partner Earvin "Magic" Johnson was on hand to welcome Lui. Additionally, dinners in Lui's honor will be held in San Francisco, Houston and New York with local luminaries.

Although details of the collaboration are still being finalized, Lui will make several trips to the United States on behalf of Remy Martin around key Asian holidays, Lunar New Year and Autumn Moon Festival. During these U.S. excursions, Lui will visit on- and off-premise customers and host VIP dinners. In addition, Lui will visit the Remy Martin estate in Cognac, France.

Remy Martin is also planning a "Ray Lui Retrospective Tour," which will celebrate his extensive body of work. The multi-city tour will feature memorabilia from his distinguished career as well as a dinner with community leaders in each market.

In addition to an impressive body of work that includes more than 50 films and the Best Actor honor from the Hong Kong Film Award Association for his role in To Be Number One, Lui has generously given back to his community for years. His personal and professional distinctions give him the honor of being one of only three celebrities to appear on a Hong Kong commemorative stamp.

"Remy Martin has a strong tradition of supporting and celebrating the Asian community," said Steve Hissam, Category Director for Remy Martin. "Ray Lui's unique combination of talent, determination and commitment has brought him great success, making him an ideal partner for Remy Martin XO Excellence, a brand that celebrates achievement and rarity. Remy Martin is honored to welcome Mr. Lui and uphold our shared values of passion, excellence and dedication."

Remy Cointreau USA

Remy Cointreau USA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of France's Remy Cointreau, SA. It is the exclusive U.S. importer for a variety of premium spirits and wines, including Remy Martin (R), Cointreau (R), The Macallan Scotch Whisky (R), The Famous Grouse (R), Mount Gay Rum (R), Champagne Piper- Heidsieck (R), Champagne Charles Heidsieck (R), Masi Agricola (R), Vietti (R), Laroche (R), Merryvale(R), Piper Sonoma (R), Bearboat (R) and Imperia(R).

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070301/NYTH245
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Remy Cointreau USA, Inc.

CONTACT: Traci Jenkins, +1-212-537-8107, Tjenkins1@gcigroup.com, or
Kimberly Pace, +1-212-537-8121, kpace@gcigroup.com, both of GCI Group, for
Remy Cointreau USA, Inc.

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