Hamilton Beach Brands, Richmond, Va., signed an exclusive licensing agreement with the Galanz company. Galanz will produce a comprehensive line of Hamilton Beach(R) and Proctor Silex(R) branded microwave ovens. Hamilton Beach Brands was assisted by Los Angeles-based new business development consultancy Brand Sense Partners, LLC (BSP) in developing and negotiating the license deal.

As leading brands in small kitchen electrics, Hamilton Beach and Proctor Silex are among the most recognized names in housewares appliances. "Expanding the Hamilton Beach and Proctor Silex brands into microwave ovens is an exciting value proposition for our consumers," said Susan Watson, senior manager, strategic business development, Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. "Through this partnership with Galanz, we are combining our 100 year heritage with the highest standards in innovation and value in the microwave oven category. Our line of affordable, high performance microwave ovens will appeal to discerning and value conscious consumers."

Based in Shunde, China, Galanz is a world-class manufacturer with leading global R&D centers for the production of user-friendly and high-quality microwave ovens and other household appliances. The company is credited with successfully introducing microwave ovens into Chinese households in the early 90's.

The full line of Hamilton Beach and Proctor Silex microwave ovens will formally debut at the International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago, IL and will be available at major mass and specialty retailers in early 2009.