Brands
Samsonite acquires French luggage brand Lipault
MUMBAI: Samsonite International has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Lipault, a French luggage brand known for its functional and fashionable designs, in a move that will strategically extend Samsonite’s brand portfolio.
“Lipault is a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio of brands,” said Samsonite chairman and CEO Tim Parker. “Lipault in many ways embodies the core characteristics that we strive to deliver to consumers: functional, lightweight yet robust, and thoughtfully designed products. Lipault is a chic and youthful brand that will allow us to engage with consumers through its signature Parisian style and vibrant colours, and will be an excellent complement to the Samsonite brand. We expect it will have great appeal with women, especially those travelling frequently.”
Chief operating officer Ramesh Tainwala added, “Our substantial experience in the travel luggage industry, combined with our well-established distribution network, extensive retail presence and superior product development capabilities make Samsonite the perfect steward to expand Lipault’s respected brand to additional markets in Europe.”
Under the terms of the transaction, Samsonite has purchased all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Lipault Entities for EUR 20.0 million in cash, financed by Samsonite’s internal resources.
“Today is a wonderful day for the Lipault brand,” said Lipault founder and CEO François Lipovetsky. “We are very excited to see how Samsonite will develop the brand in the future and look forward to seeing the product reaching an expanding audience.”
Founded in France in 2005 by François Lipovetsky, Lipault’s products are designed to meet the needs of today’s savvy travellers, featuring ultra-lightweight, smart designs, chic and vibrant colours, and constructed using luxurious but durable nylon twill fabric. The brand’s product range includes business and laptop bags, handbags and totes, and softside and hardside suitcases.
Lipault’s net sales grew by 25 per cent in 2013 to EUR 6.5 million. Approximately 95 per cent of Lipault’s 2013 net sales came from France, where the brand enjoys high visibility with three company-operated retail stores in Paris, along with corners in major department stores and luggage dealers. The brand is also distributed by third party licensees or distributors in North America, the Middle East, South Korea and other markets in Southeast Asia. The company anticipates that Lipault will continue to achieve strong double-digit growth going forward by leveraging Samsonite’s industry-leading design and product development capabilities, as well as its distribution network and retail presence to significantly expand the Lipault brand in France and throughout Europe.
Brands
Info Edge reshuffles senior roles, Ambrish Singh to 99acres, Bhisham Dhingra to lead Shiksha strategy
Leadership changes at Shiksha and 99acres aim to drive sharper growth focus
MUMBAI: Info Edge (India) Limited has approved an internal reorganisation of its education and real estate verticals, setting the stage for leadership changes aimed at sharpening execution and accelerating growth. The move, cleared by the board on April 14 through a circular resolution, will come into effect from May 1, 2026.
The restructuring impacts the company’s Shiksha and 99acres businesses, two key pillars in its portfolio, and involves role changes for senior management personnel. As part of the reshuffle, Ambrish Kumar Singh, previously executive vice president and head of sales and customer delivery for Shiksha, has been redesignated as executive vice president and head of sales and sales enablement at 99acres. A long-time company leader since 2003, Singh is expected to focus on boosting business performance, strengthening client relationships and building high-performing teams in his new role.
Meanwhile, Bhisham Dhingra, who led sales and customer delivery at 99acres, will now take on an expanded mandate as head of sales, strategy and client delivery for Shiksha. With over two decades of experience across global and Indian organisations, Dhingra will spearhead growth strategy, corporate sales and client engagement for the domestic education vertical.
Both executives will continue as senior management personnel, albeit with revised responsibilities aligned to the company’s broader restructuring goals.
Info Edge said the changes are part of ongoing efforts to leverage leadership expertise across business lines and improve operational effectiveness. The company added that the reshuffle is designed to drive stronger outcomes by aligning talent with evolving business priorities.
As Info Edge continues to fine-tune its structure, the latest leadership moves suggest a clear intent to keep its core platforms nimble, competitive and ready for the next phase of growth.
