Jan 4 - Iconix Brand Group Inc signed its first license agreement for the Indian market, teaming up with textiles maker Arvind Ltd to launch its Mossimo brand.

Mossimo Brand

Arvind, which runs retail chain Megamart, will hold the exclusive multi-year license to manufacture and distribute Mossimo apparel and accessories throughout India, the companies said.

"India's growing middle class has a preference for American brands and retail outlets are quickly developing, making this a prime time for our expansion into the marketplace," Iconix Chief Executive Neil Cole said in a statement.

Under the long-term Direct-to-Retail agreement, Mossimo will be available in 170 stores in India owned or franchised by Arvind, and will be launched in spring this year, the companies said.

Based in western Indian city of Ahmedabad, Arvind is the third largest maker of denim globally and counts Levi Strauss, Gap Inc and VF Corp among its clients.

Iconix owns and licenses brands including Candie's, Joe Boxer, Badgley Mischka and Peanuts, and sells its products to retailers like Target Corp, Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Kohl's Corp in the United States.

Iconix shares closed at $20.02 on Monday on Nasdaq, while Arvind closed at 72.20 rupees on Tuesday on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)