Sears to license Kenmore, DieHard brands

Struggling retailer Sears Holdings Corp said on Tuesday it signed licensing deals for its Kenmore home appliances and DieHard batteries to expand distribution of the brands outside the United States.

The deal comes at a time when the retailer is shutting stores following years of declining sales amid intensifying competition from Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Amazon.com Inc .

The licensing deal follows the company's recent agreement to sell Kenmore products on Amazon and integrate the brand's smart gadgets with the online giant's Alexa digital assistant.

Sears said on Tuesday Cleva North America will manufacture and distribute Kenmore products such as vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners and sweepers to retailers internationally, while Dorcy International will make and distribute DieHard batteries.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The company, which raised doubts over its ability to continue as a going concern earlier in the year, said last year it was exploring strategic alternatives for Kenmore and DieHard brands to offset losses.