Billabong Has Timeline

Billabong Australia said Monday that it plans to have a new U.S. licensee signed and operating by January but hasn’t decided who it will be.

The company has received inquiries from about 100 companies interested in taking over its U.S. licensing operations, said Dougall Walker, international marketing manager.

Billabong is looking to replace Bob Hurley, who announced earlier this month that he will not renew the U.S. licensing agreement in order to start his own line of apparel.

Hurley has agreed to develop and market Billabong’s spring 1999 line but also will show his new line--Hurley--in September at the Action Sports Retailer trade show in San Diego, Walker said.

Hurley, whose contract with Billabong expires next June, could not be reached for comment.