Brown-Forman 

and 

Clarion 

Capital 

Partners 

Announce 

the 

Sale 

of 

Hartmann, 

Inc. 

Brown-Forman and Clarion Capital Partners Announce the Sale of Hartmann, Inc.

Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BFA, BFB) announced today that the company has sold substantially all of the assets of its Hartmann luggage and leather goods business to Clarion Capital Partners, LLC, a private equity firm which invests capital in middle-market, growth-oriented companies. Terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1877, Hartmann is one of the oldest luggage manufacturers in America. Purchased by Brown-Forman in 1983, Hartmann has a well-earned reputation for high quality and stylish design which has made it a leader in the travel goods industry.

“The significant interest we received from parties wanting to purchase Hartmann is a testament to the quality of its brand name, products, and people, as well as to its opportunities for future growth,” stated Brown-Forman Chief Executive Officer Paul Varga. “The sale will enable Brown-Forman to concentrate its energies even further on our successful and growing global alcoholic beverage business.”

Marc Utay, Managing Partner of Clarion, commented, “We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with Hartmann’s management to purchase a great luxury goods company. We look forward to building on Hartmann’s rich heritage with its customers and retailers as an independent company.”

Clarion Capital Partners, LLC, is a New-York based private equity firm. The firm invests in the consumer products, specialty retail, business services, healthcare services, specialty financial services and niche media/entertainment industries. Current investments include U.S. Nursing Corporation, The Oceanaire, Inc. Great Northwest Insurance Company, Strategic Outsourcing, Inc., and Crowe Paradis Services Corporation. Additional information about Clarion can be found at www.clarion-capital.com.

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey was financial advisor to Brown-Forman.

Brown-Forman Corporation is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumer products, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, Korbel California Champagnes, and Hartmann Luggage.