Hi-Tec Sports PLC, the UK-based sports and outdoor company, has announced an agreement with MoonStar to distribute and licence its Hi-Tec brand into the Japanese market.

MoonStar has a long history in the Japanese footwear market, not only with its own brands but also distributing New Balance, K-Swiss and Kappa. It has also been the distributor and licensee for the Converse brand in Japan since 1981.

During the initial launch phase MoonStar will focus on positioning Hi-Tec into the technical outdoor market with the first products being delivered into the Japanese market for the spring 2006 season.

Hi-Tec was founded in England in 1974 and has been selling internationally since 1976. By 2005 Hi-Tec was sold in over 100 countries worldwide. Currently Hi-Tec is the world’s 13th largest athletic footwear company and is number three in the global outdoor market.