Hard Rock International, which operates 123 Hard Rock Cafes in 46 countries, has signed on DHL to handle all shipping needs, including delivery of rock legends' guitars from its distribution center in Louisville, Ky., to locations worldwide, and to fulfill online merchandise orders.

"Our locations are able to express the rock 'n' roll experience, in large part, by leveraging DHL's global expertise, flexibility and full portfolio of distribution solutions," says Brian Siemienas, senior director of marketing for Hard Rock International. "With its strong U.S. network and global coverage, we see DHL as the perfect express delivery partner to manage our valuable memorabilia for all of our locations worldwide."

Among other services, DHL will support Hard Rock's "Top of the Rock" awards program, which recognizes top-performing Hard Rock Cafes around the world with the honor of displaying special pieces from its famous memorabilia collection. Once a month, DHL will transport guitars once played by rock 'n' roll legends like Jimi Hendrix and Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley to Hard Rock Cafes throughout the world. "Hard Rock owns the world's largest collection of music memorabilia, and we entrust DHL for its safe and secure transport," said Siemienas.

Visit www.dhl.com and www.hardrock.com.