Samsonite International paying $105m for eBags

Apr 17, 2017Updated Apr 17, 20171 min read

Hong Kong-headquartered luggage company Samsonite International is to buy online retailer eBags for US$105 million cash.

The deal is part of Samsonite’s strategy to accelerate the growth of its e-commerce business.

“With eBags’ immediate resources and digital expertise, we are able to expand our online retail capabilities in a meaningful way, driving stronger sales growth across all the brands in Samsonite’s portfolio,” says Samsonite CEO Ramesh Tainwala. “E-commerce is fast becoming a vital part of our business, and will continue to be central in our strategy.”

EBags president/CEO Mike Edwards describes the move as “a perfect match”.

Founded in 1998, eBags offers travel bags and accessories including backpacks, handbags, business bags, travel accessories and apparel from a range of travel and fashion brands. It had net sales of US$158.5 million last year, up 23.5 per cent from the previous year.

The acquisition is expected to be completed within a couple of months.

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Mei Ling Tan

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Mei Ling Tan is the Editor of Retail News Asia, where she leads the editorial team in delivering in-depth coverage of Asia’s dynamic retail landscape. With over a decade of experience in business journalism, Mei Ling is known for her sharp analysis, deep industry insights, and commitment to uncovering the stories behind Asia’s most innovative retail brands. Before joining Retail News Asia, Mei Ling held senior reporting roles at regional business publications, covering everything from consumer trends to digital transformation in retail. A graduate of the National University of Singapore with a degree in Communications and New Media, she combines journalistic integrity with a strong understanding of evolving market forces. Outside the newsroom, Mei Ling is a frequent speaker at industry panels and a mentor for young journalists.

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