End of An Era: Prescriptives Closes Global Wholesale Distribution

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. announced that it would close
the global wholesale distribution of its Prescriptives brand by January 31,
2010. The brand plans to continue to sell online for United States shipping at
www.prescriptives.com to help service consumers for replenishment of key
products, while inventory lasts. Prescriptives products are currently sold in
the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia.

“We believe that the difficult decision relating to Prescriptives will allow us
to redirect our resources to key strategic imperatives where we see the highest
growth potential,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer,
The Estée Lauder Companies. “Ultimately this action allows us to focus on those
areas which we expect to benefit the Company, our shareholders and business
partners. We intend to work closely with our retail partners and continue to
communicate with our consumers to ensure a seamless transition.”

For Prescriptives consumer support, toll free numbers have been set up in North
America (1-877-819-2968, English, Spanish and French speaking), the United
Kingdom (0800 088 4168) and the Republic of Ireland (1800 936 080).

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world`s leading manufacturers and
marketers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. The
Company`s products are sold in over 140 countries and territories under the
following brand names: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Prescriptives, Lab
Series, Origins, M•A•C, Bobbi Brown, Tommy Hilfiger, Kiton, La Mer, Donna Karan,
Aveda, Jo Malone, Bumble and bumble, Darphin, Michael Kors, American Beauty,
Flirt!, Good Skin, Grassroots Research Labs, Sean John, Missoni, Daisy Fuentes,
Tom Ford, Coach and Ojon.

Source: Press Release – Estee Lauder Companies, INC. via Reuters.com