Ralph Lauren Corporation Announces Strategic Partnership With Franklin Venture Partners

Investment underscores Company’s commitment to lead and scale innovative consumer solutions

NEW YORK, NY — January 31, 2022 — Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) today announced a strategic limited partnership with Franklin Venture Partners, a specialized investment team within Franklin Templeton, focused on mid- and late-stage private companies. Through the strategic partnership, Ralph Lauren will make a capital investment with Franklin Venture Partners who will seek to invest in innovative consumer technology companies, with a particular focus on companies led by women.

Investing in consumer technology companies also links directly to Ralph Lauren’s focus on putting the consumer at the center of its strategies, and Franklin Venture Partners’ focus on seeking women-led companies is a natural extension of the Company’s commitment to supporting a gender-equal world.

Today’s announcement also builds on Ralph Lauren’s minority investment in Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. (NFW),s a leading startup focused on sustainable material science that has revolutionized the reuse of natural fibers into patented, high-performance materials.

“At Ralph Lauren, the powerful combination of honoring our heritage while embracing innovation has guided our brand and business for decades,” said Patrice Louvet, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “Participating in opportunities like this one with Franklin Venture Partners is one example of how we are pursuing new pathways for innovation, and we are excited to support the growth of these companies and benefit from insights and technology that can help guide our Company and our industry’s future.” 

This strategic partnership allows Ralph Lauren to leverage Franklin Templeton’s deep investment experience and open new opportunities for the Company to collaborate with others to develop and deploy new technologies. It also provides a platform for Ralph Lauren to discuss trends and opportunities with industry peers and experts, as well as benefit from Franklin Venture Partners’ extensive network and new avenues for data, research and insights into emerging consumer technology.

ABOUT RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren has sought to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company’s brand names—which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children and Chaps, among others—constitute one of the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more information, go to https://corporate.ralphlauren.com

ABOUT FRANKLIN VENTURE PARTNERS
Franklin Venture Partners is a specialized investment team within Franklin Templeton, one of the world’s leading asset managers, based in San Mateo, California. Leveraging its Silicon Valley proximity and Franklin Templeton’s 75 years of experience evaluating and managing equity investments of all sizes, Franklin Venture Partners identifies and invests in venture and growth companies it believes are poised for transformative impacts across multiple industries. Franklin Venture Partners uses deep industry research to inform private investment opportunities sourced through industry, academic and venture capital networks. 

CONTACT
Corinna Van der Ghinst
Investor Relations
ir@ralphlauren.com

Corporate Communications
rl-press@ralphlauren.com