Michael Jackson The Perfume will hit stores in March

There is little doubt that Michael Jackson will always be remembered for his music, but will he be remembered for his smell?

The fragrancesfragrances based on the scent of plants found at the late star's Neverland ranch -- thanks to the chance intervention of some keen-eyed autograph hunters.

Perfumer Franck Rouas met the Jackson family at a Las Vegas trade show after two youngsters borrowed a pen to get signatures from Michael's relatives. Not one to miss an opportunity, the French entrepreneur also handed over two sample bottles "and asked them if they could give them to Janet Jackson".

Intrigued by Rouas's concoction, the pop legend's father Joe Jackson invited him to a private room to discuss a collaboration that has led to a 50/50 deal. Now his-and-her eau de parfums -- 'Jackson's Tribute' for men and 'Jackson's Legend' for women -- will launch in the US on 7 March.

In Los Angeles, a spokesman for Michael Jackson's estate said the perfume venture was "a Joe Jackson deal" in which it was not involved. Rouas added that some of the proceeds would go to charities favoured by Jackson.