Samsonite eyewear and perfumes on the way

Samsonite divested all the production facilities in Denver (Usa), it was controlled first by Apollo Holding of New York and then for a short period by the Pinault stable, and in July 2003 was re-capitalized. After this tough period, Samsonite now says it is ready 'to harvest the fruits of the re-launch process that began some years ago'. Today, the company is controlled by three holding companies (Ares of Los Angeles, Bain Capital of London, and Ontario of Toronto). Since 1975, Samsonite in Italy has been run by the Fremder family which entered into a joint venture with the American parent company in 1984.

And it is Italy that will begin the acquisition process of new brands under license and the creation of licenses signed by Samsonite. 'There was a time when we had to concentrate exclusively on the financial aspect to settle debts and find new investors', Samsonite Italy Chairman Beppi Fremder explained to Affari & Finanza. 'Now the storm has passed and we are totally oriented toward marketing and the expansion of our products and sales network'.

The Global Licences Division was set up in 2004. Chairman Beppi Fremder: «We are in touch with a series of brands for the acquisition of their licenses and we are expecting to add one new label to our company every year. They will be hot brands with a mid-high market positioning'.

For the time being, Samsonite Italy handles the production and distribution of La Coste accessories. The licensing project is also aiming externally: 'At present, our brand is licensed for clothing, stationery and accessories, but soon we will be adding eyewear and perfumes'.

(Source: Affari & Finanza)