Press Statement from Workers United Urging Wells Fargo to Accept Emerisque’s Bid

The following quotes can be used in response to Chicago-based Hartmarx Corporation's selection on Friday of London-based private equity firm Emerisque (and SKNL North America) as the firm to help the men's suit maker emerge from bankruptcy.

Edgar Romney, President of Workers United: "The action of the Hartmarx Board is an important first step in ensuring that Hartmarx will continue to produce its famous brands and continue to employ thousands of Workers United members in the United States and Canada. It is now up to Wells Fargo to accept this bid.  We will be watching the actions of the bank closely. There is now no reason to liquidate this company."

Gary Bonadonna, Manager of the Rochester Regional Joint Board: "We are thrilled that Hartmarx signed a stalking horse purchase agreement with Emerisque.  Workers at Hickey Freeman produce a product that is known around the world. The American people provided support for the banks when they were in trouble, now we need Wells Fargo to accept this bid."

Noel Beasley, Manager of the Chicago-Midwest Regional Joint Board and Executive Vice President of Workers United:  "In these tough economic times everyone has to do their part.  Our members, Hartmarx workers, work hard producing quality products.  Emerisque has made a generous bid for Hartmarx. The American people supported the banks when they were in trouble. Now, Wells Fargo simply has to accept Emerisque's offer.  It is good for all parties concerned."

Gail Meyer, Associate Manager of the Pennsylvania Joint Board: "Emerisque clearly understands Hartmarx is valuable and its workforce is great. Given the bid by Emerisque, I find it inconceivable that the bank will not accept this offer."

Hartmarx employs about 3,500 workers and maintains plants in Rochester, New York; Des Plaines and Rock Island, Illinois;, Anniston, Alabama; Michigan City, Indiana; Easton, Pennsylvania; and Ontario Canada.

Workers United, an SEIU affiliate, is a union representing more than 150,000 workers in the US and Canada who work in the laundry, food service, hospitality, gaming, apparel, textiles manufacturing and distribution industries. Workers United is a new union with a history of more than 100 years, and includes members from many predecessor unions, including the ILGWU, ACTWU, UNITE and UNITE HERE.

SEIU - With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers-not just corporations and CEOs-benefit from today's global economy.

-30-