By Meghna Sharma Samsonite International S.A. is an American multinational manufacturer and retailer of luggage, travel accessories and related products. It has a large portfolio of owned and licenced brands operating across customer segments, right from budget travellers to luxury and adventure enthusiasts. Samsonite’s product portfolio includes hard and soft side suitcases, briefcases, backpacks, garment bags, outdoor bags, travel bags, business bags, laptop bags and travel accessories like toiletries kits. The company offers products in both premium and affordable price ranges.
| Details | Info |
| Founded | 1910 |
| Founder | Jesse Shwayder |
| Headquarters | Mansfield Massachusetts |
| CEO | Kyle Francis Gendreau |
| Sector | Luggage and Travel Accessories |
Company Profile
Samsonite traces its roots to Shwayder Trunk Company founded by Jesse Shwayder in the year 1910 in Denver, Colorado, United States. The company initially produced wooden trunks reinforced with steel, prior to launching Samson line of suitcases in the year 1916. In the year 1939, the company launched Samsonite Streamlite, a line of suitcases featuring vulcanised fibre covering and leather binding.
The company was renamed Samsonite Corporation in the year 1965. It was sold to Beatrice Foods in the year 1973. The company launched the world’s first wheeled suitcase in the year 1974. In the year 1986, Samsonite was acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. The company launched four-wheeled suitcase range called Samsonite Spinners in the year 2000. Samsonite was acquired by CVC Capital Partners in 2007.
Samsonite currently holds around 19% share in the global luggage market. It owns multiple brands, including American Tourister, TUMI, Lipault, Hartmann, High Sierra and Gregory. The company operates factories and distribution centres across continents like North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Origin Country
Samsonite originated in the United States and remains an American brand. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide, with key markets being the United States, Europe and Japan by sales.
Market Cap
Samsonite International S.A. is listed on the Hong-Kong stock exchange. Its market capitalisation, as of October 2025, is 23.51 billion Hong-Kong Dollar.