JWT Hong Kong adds newly acquired Samsonite sub-brands to Asia portfolio

JWT Hong Kong currently handles the Asia Pacific advertising duties for the company’s core Samsonite and American Tourister brands.

Ramesh Tainwala, president of Samsonite Asia Pacific and Middle East, said the partnership was expanded due to "their great work on our past campaigns”.

The company's net sales grew 13.2 per cent in 2012 over the previous year, driven by the strong growth of its entry-level American Tourister brand, thanks to demand from middle-income customers in Asia, according to Tainwala.

Hartmann, a luxury brand that offers travel, business and lifestyle products; and High Sierra, a casual lifestyle brand that focuses on outdoor and adventure products, were acquired in August last year.

Both brands were established in the US. The company plans to introduce Hartmann across the Asia Pacific region, including in India and China, as well as expand the profile of High Sierra, which already has a presence in Australia and Philippines.