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A HUNDRED YEAR OLD JOURNEY

It was an afternoon with a historical ring to it; from the palatial venue; Taj to
the century old Samsonite brand. Its not everyday that a brand turns 100;
and the experiences of an entire century inspire awe!

Dr.Ramesh Tainwala; President Samsonite Greater Asia, which includes Asia,


Australia, Middle-East and Africa; a man of few words; known to be
extremely media shy and reticent; spoke of the long glorious journey of the
brand.

Anusha Dandekar, dressed in a business attire emceed the evening and


emphasised Samsonite’s unique blend of style and substance.

As a luggage maker, Samsonite has many firsts to its credit. From the first
ever coordinated luggage, the first ever use of metal in luggage ; the first
practical business case – Classic Attache, the first ever polypropylene
suitcase commonly called hard luggage; three-digit locking systems; 2-
wheeled uprights for easier manouverability; 4-wheel spinners , to its latest
innovation cosmolite; the lightest and sturdiest Samsonite ever; this was a
slice of delectable world travel history.

Shaina NC was proud to collect her Cosmolite from none other than
Dr.Ramesh Tainwala; a bright red classy piece of luggage; and spoke of
legacy and lineage as important qualifiers for brands.

It was interesting to note how Dr. Tainwala; hailing from Ranchi Bihar; and
today a globetrotter managing businesses across 38 countries from his office
in HongKong; would lapse into Hindi anecdotes all the time; reliving the joy
of simplicity and extolling the virtues of gritty Indian entrepreneurship.

Also present on the occasion were Subrata Dutta; COO Samsonite South Asia
and Sudip Ghose Director Marketing South Asia.
Press Release 2

COSMOLITE: THE STRONGEST AND LIGHTEST SAMSONITE EVER

Its not everyday that a brand turns 100; Samsonite celebrates 2010 as its
centennary year.

As a luggage maker, Samsonite has many firsts to its credit. From the first
ever coordinated luggage, the first ever use of metal in luggage ; the first
practical business case – Classic Attache, the first ever polypropylene
suitcase commonly called hard luggage; three-digit locking systems; 2-
wheeled uprights for easier manouverability; 4-wheel spinners , to its latest
innovation cosmolite; the lightest and sturdiest Samsonite ever; this was a
slice of delectable world travel history.

In its 100th year; Samsonite presents Cosmolite, a baggage line created to combine an
incredible lightness with an absolute strength without forsaking a modern design – with
alluring and refined shapes. Cosmolite line offers a unique features revolutionary Curv®
technology, an innovative and highly performing material, Minimum weight, extreme
solidity, tested with cutting-edge technologies, and a sturdy anti-scratch surface. A complete
range of products where Samsonite’s experience and its attention to style merge into a
perfect union of innovation, functionality and elegance. The wide grooves and the external
rounded shapes, reminding of a seashell, present Cosmolite with a harmonious, ergonomic,
strong and light look.

The collection is composed of five Spinners – available in different sizes – and a Beauty Case.

Samsonite has put forward a distinctive and exclusive product, capable of satisfying every
traveller’s needs and guaranteeing unparalleled strength and lightness.

Price Details:-

MRP: 55CM Spinner – 11900 (Black)

MRP: 61CM Spinner – 13900 (Red)

MRP: 74CM Spinner – 15900 (Silver)


Press Release 3

SAMSONITE ENTERS 100 YEAR OLD BRANDS LIST


Brands that have been around for a century or so are rare indeed. But many of our favourite
brands are over a 100 years old. From the toothpaste you use in the morning Colgate, to your
mouthwash; Listerine; Quaker Oats your breakfast cereal; The Heinz ketchup on the
table..Hershey…the chocolate syrup in your glass of milk.

The confectionery you chew as you step out to work could be from Wrigleys; the Mineral water
in your century old Audi could be Evian. Your Levis denims ; the cards that liven up and
evening of entertainment or a day at the casino…made by Dal Negro, a producer of fine playing
cards since 1756; or the Miller beer you sip into at a night of revelry..all centurion brands.

The latest to join the bandwagon is ace luggage and travel accessories maker; that’s turned 100
in 2010. Unlike Samsonite; which is popularly known across the world; there are lesser known
brands like Nedo of Germany, the leading maker of survey equipment. Trangia is a Swedish
outdoor stove beloved by hikers. Coleman (outdoor equipment), Royal Doulton (china), Square
D (electrical equipment), the list continues to inspire awe;

So what are the keys to becoming a centennial brand? Consistency of quality. Decades of well-
honed messages. Integrity and ingenuity.

Experts like to talk about product life cycles, as if the birth and death of brands were the most
natural thing in the world. Yet there are dozens, perhaps hundreds of global brands, big and
small, that manage to remain young and vital, well into their tenth decade and beyond. But as in
the case of most 100 year old brands like Samsonite; it’s the continuous capacity to re-invent;
cross-cultural teams; entrepreneur-professional balance such as seen in Dr.Ramesh Tainwala;
President Greater Asia Samsonite that wins.
Press Release 4

SEXY AT 100: SAMSONITE


A brief interview with Dr.Ramesh Tainwala: President Samsonite Greater Asia.
Move over Indra Nooyi; the next Indian global corporate icon is here…and he’s a deadly
concoction called an entrepreneur-professional. The desi boy with panache and pizaaz; the
Bihari with a taste for Armani; genteel and sophisticated…a
2008-09 was probably remembered for all wrong reasons. Recession, job cuts, 26/11 attacks,
inflation… We talking to experts in different segments and would like to know, in your segment
what particularly can we look forward to in 2010.
Despite the severity of the global downturn, and likely subdued growth trajectory of developed
economies going forward, I believe that there is a lot to like about India's economic story over
the long term. Our entrepreneurial grit and ability to adjust ourselves according to the situation is
legendary. As far as retail is concerned; I am expecting a healthy outlook across all segments
wherever ‘practical retail’ is practiced. This would include food; groceries and lifestyle
segments.
What are the growth opportunities that you look forward to in your segment?
Organised retailing is relatively new to India, although it has begun to expand rapidly. As with
other consumer-oriented goods and services, this sector should benefit from rising wealth,
industry deregulation and a greater openness to international influences. Perhaps only 3% of
retail sales in India are accounted for by organised retailers. By 2010, however, the organised
sector could account for as much as 20% of the total retail sector, based on current trends.
What are the changes and the expectations that you have from 2010?
Retailing is undergoing a structural shift in India, as supply slowly moves from small, family-run
shops to larger, organised retail outlets. This will of course continue. The rising number of
attractive stores and foreign brands, coupled with readily available credit, will support steady
real growth in retail sales .
Any particular area in retail that you think would be booming in the coming year?
2010 is a special year for Samsonite as its our 100th year. I manage about 38 countries for
Samsonite; and my outlook for India is particularly bullish because of its powerful middle class.
While it is generally known that in the Indian retailing industry, food is the most dominating
sector; I see a lot of scope in well-executed premium lifestyle retail.
Press Release 5

Profile – Dr Tainwala

In an increasingly globalised world; few men command the attention that Dr.Ramesh Tainwala does. One of the
few Indians to be a part of the ownership structure of an MNC, Ramesh Tainwala could well be corporate
India's new global face.

PROFILE
A man; who by his own admission did not know English till he was learning
engg. at BITS Pilani, Dr. Ramesh Tainwala has come a long way.

Name : Dr. Ramesh Tainwala


Current Designation : President Greater Asia
Birth Date : 08th Sept 1959
Birth Place : Ranchi Jarkhand
Family : Wife - Shobha Tainwala , Daughter - Anushree Tainwala, Son -
Ayush Tainwala
Education – Vikas School Ranchi, BITS Pilani
Bachelors in Industrial Engineering, Masters in Business Administration and a
Ph. D in Business Economics.

Work Experience
Started his career as an Entrepreneur by trading in plastic raw material from
1983.
Joined hands with Good Knight in 1985.
Launched wet wipes under the brand name Fresh Ones in 1987.
Got into the Plastic Processing business in 1990.
Launched Samsonite in India 1996
Took over as President Greater Asia of the Samsonite Group in 2004

A advocate of practical retail, Dr.Tainwala has been in the news for steering
Samsonite spotlessly through the choppy recesionary phase in 2009. While
his targets are stiff; his management style is inclusive and his math is
grounded in solid marwadi business

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