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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2003

OR

For the transition period                                  to                                 

Commission file number 0-23214

SAMSONITE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 373-2000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(Title of class)

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) o

        As of July 31, 2002, the registrant had outstanding 19,865,573 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. The aggregate market value of such Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sales of the Common Stock on July 31, 2002 as reported by the OTC Bulletin Board was approximately $10.4 million. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 10 percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

        As of May 13, 2003, the registrant had outstanding 19,865,573 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. The aggregate market value of such Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sales price of the Common Stock on May 13, 2003, as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board was approximately $13.6 million. Shares of Common Stock held by each officer and director and by each person who owns 10 percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock have been excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.

INDEX

Important Notice:

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (including documents incorporated by reference herein) contains statements with respect to the Company's expectations or beliefs as to future events. These types of statements are "forward-looking" and are subject to uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Statements" under Item 1.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

        We are one of the world's most widely recognized designers, manufacturers and distributors of luggage and a growing distributor of related consumer products. We sell our products using a number of brand names, including Samsonite®, American Tourister®, Hedgren®, Lacoste®, and Trunk & Co®. With net sales of $744.0 million for our fiscal year ended January 31, 2003, we are one of the leaders in the global luggage industry.

        Our product lines include suitcases, garment bags, business cases, computer cases and casual bags. We also manufacture and sell luggage, casual bags, clothing, shoes and accessories in the luxury segment of the market under the Samsonite® black label, Hedgren, Samsonite and Lacoste brands. In addition to utilization of our luggage brands on products we manufacture and sell, we license our luggage brand names to third parties for use on products that include travel accessories, leather goods, handbags, clothing and furniture. We also license our apparel brand names to third parties under our "Global Licensing" division.

        We design the majority of our luggage products at our research, development and design facilities in Europe and the United States. Our products are produced around the world at Samsonite-operated manufacturing facilities or by carefully selected third party suppliers. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries at numerous retail establishments including department stores, specialty stores, mass merchants and warehouse clubs. We also sell certain products through over 250 Samsonite-operated retail stores in the United States, Canada, Latin American, Asia and Europe. In addition, our products are available through our websites and the websites of many of our customers.

        Our principal corporate office is at 11200 East 45th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80239, our telephone number is (303) 373-2000, and our website is www.samsonite.com.

        The following discussion relates to the Company's business as a whole, except where discussion of a particular geographical business segment is useful or informative. Financial information by business segment can be found at Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements contained in this report.

        The Company's fiscal year ends on January 31. References to a fiscal year denote the calendar year in which the fiscal year ended; for example, "fiscal 2003" refers to the 12 months ended January 31, 2003.

Liquidity and Going Concern Matters

        For several weeks prior to the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company was actively involved in negotiating a possible recapitalization transaction designed to deleverage the Company. On May 1, 2003, the Company executed a recapitalization agreement with a group of private investors and obtained a commitment letter for a new bank credit facility; however, both such agreements are subject to numerous conditions, including a condition that the Company reach an agreement with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") with respect to, among other things, the new senior credit facility and the Company's ability to refinance such a facility in the future.

        On June 24, 2003, amounts outstanding under the European term loan ($37.5 million at January 31, 2003) and revolving credit facility ($9.0 million at January 31, 2003) portions of the existing senior bank credit facility become due. Unless the Company is successful in refinancing or extending the senior credit facility, it will be unable to make such required principal payments. On April 30, 2003, the Company obtained an amendment to its existing senior credit facility that will extend the maturity date of its European term loans and revolving credit thereunder from June 24, 2003 to June 24, 2004. The amendment to the senior credit facility has as conditions to its effectiveness the execution of the recapitalization agreement and a commitment letter agreement for a new bank credit facility and resolution of the issues with the PBGC in a manner satisfactory to the new investors and lenders. As of May 15, 2003, the Company had executed the recapitalization agreement and the commitment letter agreement for a new bank credit facility, but had not obtained resolution of the PBGC issues; therefore, the conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the senior credit facility amendment were not satisfied. The Company is continuing in its attempt to obtain satisfactory resolution of these issues and believes they can be resolved by the June 24, 2003 maturity dates under the senior credit facility.

        The Company can provide no assurances that satisfactory resolution of these issues will be reached or that the amendment extending the maturity date of the current senior credit facility can be executed; therefore, the auditors' report on the Company's financial statements dated March 14, 2003, except for Notes 1, 8 and 18 as to which the date is May 15, 2003, states that these matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

        See "Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern Matters" included elsewhere herein and Notes 1(b), 8 and 18 to the Company's consolidated financial statements for further discussion of going concern matters, the senior credit facility and the proposed recapitalization transaction.

Luggage Products Market

        The worldwide luggage market encompasses a wide range of products, product quality and prices. At one end of the market are high-quality, full-featured products that have prestigious brand names, higher prices and selective distribution. Beneath this "luxury" market is a broad middle market in which products are differentiated by features, brand name and price. Within this market, sales are largest at mid and low product price levels. Product differentiation decreases and breadth of distribution increases at lower price levels. At the lower end of the luggage market, unbranded products with few differentiating features are sold in significant volumes and at low margins, competing primarily on the basis of price. We sell products in all three markets; however, our strategies focus on distribution in the middle and upper price level markets.

Products

        We offer a broad range of products that includes softside, hardside and hybrid luggage, casual bags, business and computer cases, high-end Samsonite black labeled clothing, shoes and accessories and other non-luggage products.

        The following table sets forth an estimate of the percentage of the Company's fiscal 2003 revenues from sales of luggage and travel-related products by product type:

Fiscal 2003 Sales Mix by Product Type

        Below is our market positioning for each of our principal brands:

        Softside Luggage.    The softside luggage category includes suitcases, garment bags and soft carry-on suitcases. More than 80% of the softside luggage we sell is made by independent suppliers located around the world. We produce the balance of our softside luggage and garment bags in our own facilities located in several countries. Our softside products are sold under all of our major brands.

        Over the past few years, Samsonite has introduced a number of innovative proprietary features in its softside luggage products in response to consumer demands for increased ease of use and better interior organization, mobility and portability. Examples include the Ultravalet® garment bag with a unique wrinkle-free folding system, the EZ Big Whee1® rolling system that allows very easy passage over carpets and rough surfaces; and the EZ Cart® system that has four wheels to support the weight of the case and a push handle for optimum stability and mobility.

        Hardside Luggage.    We manufacture most of our hardside suitcases in our own factories. Our hardside luggage is sold globally under the Samsonite brand. In the United States, Europe and Asia our hardside luggage is also sold under the American Tourister brand. Hardside products are offered in several lines under each brand in the United States, Europe and Asia. Each line includes a variety of sizes and styles to suit differing travel needs.

        We currently manufacture hardside suitcases using three basic processes: injection molding, vacuum forming and pressure forming. Two of these processes require different types of plastic resin; the third uses aluminum metal sheets.

        Globally, we distribute and sell hardside suitcases that include proprietary features to facilitate ease of transport. One such proprietary feature is the patented Piggyback® system that incorporates a luggage cart, an extendable handle and a strap allowing additional bags to be attached and transported.

        Hybrid Luggage.    We have introduced products that include important proprietary designs and features of both the hardside and softside luggage. The first is Ziplite®, a hardside suitcase taking the form of a sleek pod that zips shut, rather than latching shut, and is made of a thin, light-weight polymer which is laminated to an attractive textile using a patented process. The second is Carbon 2010®, a combination of hardside and softside luggage technologies possessing the features that are most sought after in the two types of luggage. The Carbon 2010 is constructed with a bottom shell of light, rugged plastic that provides structure to the bag and helps protect the contents. The top half is a high quality DuPont® Cordura® Plus fabric with zippered pockets for easy access and organization and adjustable cinch straps for security and capacity control. Features similar to those in Carbon 2010 suitcases have been incorporated into Silhouette®, one of our top-selling product lines introduced in fiscal 2001. In fiscal 2002, the Company introduced the Moab® product line in both the U.S. and Europe. Similar to Carbon 2010, the Moab product line combines a high-quality softside fabric front with conveniently located zippered pockets with a rigged polypropylene external frame.

        Casual Bags.    The casual and sport bag market includes duffel bags, tote bags, athletic bags, backpacks, daypacks, shoulder and hip bags and school bags. We entered this market in a modest way over the last several years with the Samsonite Sport and Trunk & Co.® product lines. We have expanded our business in this important and growing market by increasing distribution of products under our licensed Hedgren, and Lacoste brands. We believe that by offering consumers a number of product lines having varying styles and price points, we have the opportunity to capture a larger portion of this market.

        Business and Computer Cases.    We sell a variety of business and computer cases under our Samsonite and American Tourister brand names. We are pursuing innovations in lighter weight industrially produced briefcases and luggage. We launched a durable and lightweight business case line, Hardlite®, in April 2002. This unique industrially produced business case combines lightweight textile panels with injection-molded frames in an aesthetically pleasing product. We design and manufacture most of the hardside briefcases we offer. We design and have our suppliers manufacture our softside briefcases and computer cases. In addition, we license our brands to experienced business case producers for the sale of certain of these products in the United States.

        Luxury Products.    In fiscal 2001, we created our Specialty Products Group, which designs, manufactures and sells high-end luxury luggage, casual bags, clothing, shoes and accessories under Samsonite black label, Hedgren, Samsonite and Samsonite by Starck™ brands each operating under the creative direction of its own internationally recognized designer.

        Licensed Products.    We license our trademarks for use on travel-related products that are made and sold primarily by appointed licensees. These license agreements extend the scope of our products into new areas ranging from camera bags to personal leather goods and travel pillows. Our licensees are selected for competency in their product categories and usually sell parallel lines of products under their own or other brands. Examples of licensed products include leather business and computer cases, furniture products, travel accessories, photo and audio storage gear, personal leather goods, ladies' handbags, umbrellas, binoculars, pet carriers, auto accessories, cellular phone cases, school bags, and children's products. We entered the Japanese market in 1964 through a licensing agreement with Japan's principal luggage manufacturing company. Samsonite brand products made by the licensee are sold primarily in department stores throughout Japan. We receive a royalty on the licensee's sales of the Company's branded products. We also own and license certain apparel brand names, such as McGregor®, Botany 500® and Bert Pulitzer®, to third parties under our "Global Licensing" division.

        Product Development.    We devote significant resources to new product design and development. We start with market research to identify consumer's' needs and style preferences. Once identified, we employ designers and development engineers and work with outside designers to develop new products that respond to those needs and style preferences. We attempt to differentiate ourselves from our competitors by offering products that are innovative and distinctive in style and functionality.

Distribution

        Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world from the retail locations of others, from our own stores and over the Internet at our Company website, www.samsonitecompanystores.com, and at the websites of a number of our customers. Retail channels of distribution primarily include department and specialty stores, national and mass merchant retailers, warehouse clubs, and Company-owned retail stores worldwide.

        United States.    Our products are sold in the United States primarily through traditional luggage retail distribution channels: department stores and luggage specialty stores. National retailers and warehouse clubs carry Samsonite and American Tourister products uniquely designed for each retailer bearing special labels coupling the retailer brand names with Samsonite's. Discount channels, such as mass merchants, warehouse clubs and factory outlets, are important to the distribution of American Tourister branded products in the United States. Our direct sales force of approximately 30 professionals serves companies with retail outlets throughout the United States.

        We also operate 195 retail stores in the United States that distribute Samsonite and American Tourister products designed specifically for these stores, a variety of travel-related products and excess, discontinued and obsolete products. Operating our own retail outlets allows us to test market new products and designs and to more efficiently reduce discounted and obsolete inventory positions.

        Europe.    Our Samsonite products in Europe are sold through traditional specialty luggage and leather goods stores and department stores. We also sell our products through Samsonite operated retail outlets and flagship stores located throughout Western and Central Europe. In order to preserve the premium image of the Samsonite brand, Samsonite brand products are generally not distributed through discount retailers in Europe. Our American Tourister brand has been introduced in Europe to balance our retail distribution in each of the primary retail channels and to establish a single pan-European brand name in the discount channel (known in Europe as the "hypermarkets"). Our direct sales and product demonstration force of approximately 130 persons serves companies with retail outlets throughout Europe.

        We also sell our products through distributors and agents located in over 20 countries in certain European markets where Samsonite does not have a direct sales force. These distributors and agents, as well as those mentioned under "Elsewhere in the World" below, handle various non-luggage products in addition to our products. Distribution agreements generally provide for mutual exclusivity, whereby distributors do not handle competitors' luggage products and we do not sell to other distributors or agents in their territory.

        Elsewhere in the World.    In markets outside the United States, Western Europe, Central Europe and certain Asian countries, we sell our products either directly through agents and distributors or under license. Products sold in these international markets are shipped from Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe or Asia depending upon product type and availability. In some instances, we entered new markets through third party distributors and subsequently acquired these third party distributors as the markets have developed. We have long-standing licensing arrangements to sell our products in Japan, Australia and Canada. We have joint ventures in Singapore, South Korea and India, as well as wholly-owned distribution organizations in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and China. We also have joint ventures in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil to distribute Samsonite products in those countries as well as other major Latin American markets. The Company also sells its products at various Company-operated retail store locations in Asia, Argentina, Mexico and Canada.

        In most of the Company's markets around the world, sales of the Company's products tend to be moderately seasonal, weighted toward the third and fourth quarter of each fiscal year when shopping for the holidays is at its peak.

Advertising

        We commit substantial resources to brand advertising programs that promote the features, durability and quality of our luggage and travel products under the marketing theme "Samsonite Worldproof®." This global advertising program promotes Samsonite as a travel brand on four integrated advertising levels: print and airport advertising, public relations, Internet, and Company-operated flagship stores. The Company assists its retailers in adapting their local advertising to the Company's national advertising campaigns through various co-op advertising programs. Other promotional activities employed by the Company to further support its customers and increase product sales, include in-store fixtures, product hang tags, loyalty programs, point of sale posters, counter cards, and dealer newsletters. At www.samsonite.com, the Company communicates its corporate message, products and brand image through an integrated global website. For the last five fiscal years we have invested, on average, in excess of $40 million annually in global and national communications, co-op advertising programs and related public relations and promotional activities to support the sale of our branded products.

Manufacturing and Sourcing Products

        We believe that our large size and leading market position allow us to achieve volume driven purchasing and manufacturing economies of scale. Our global product-sourcing network consists of Samsonite-operated manufacturing facilities and various third party finished goods suppliers located principally in the Far East and Eastern Europe. We believe that by operating our own facilities to produce hardside luggage and certain softside products, we achieve an appropriate balance between product quality and innovation, and shorter product introduction lead times, lower inventory levels and lower delivery costs. Our global sourcing network also enables us to obtain economies of scale by sourcing products from countries with low production costs while maintaining the same high quality standards as the products we manufacture ourselves.

        In fiscal year 2003, less than 20% of our revenues from softside luggage, casual bag and business/computer case products were from products manufactured in our own facilities. We purchased the remainder of our softside products from third-party vendors in the Far East, Eastern Europe and the Dominican Republic. In recent years, the Company has increasingly relied on third party vendors for sourcing softside products due to various factors including the admission of China to the World Trade Organization which has made it more cost effective to purchase products previously manufactured by the Company from Asian finished goods vendors. We select different third party vendors to take advantage of changes in manufacturing costs, payment terms and shipping costs. We do not rely on any single third party vendor whose loss would be material to us.

        We manufacture over 95% of the hardside luggage and business case products that we sell. During fiscal 2003, our hardside production facilities were located in Oudenaarde, Belgium; Nashik, India; Hénin-Beaumont, France and Ningbo, China.

        We maintain a vigorous quality control program for goods manufactured at our own plants and at third party vendor facilities. New products are put through a series of simulation and stress tests to assure durability and strength. In our manufacturing facilities and our Asian quality assurance office, we use quality control inspectors, engineers and lab technicians to perform inspection and laboratory testing on raw materials, parts and finished goods.

Competition

        Competition in the worldwide luggage industry is very fragmented. In the United States, we compete based on brand name, consumer advertising, product innovation, product quality, product differentiation, customer service and price. In Europe, we compete based on our premium brand name, product design, product quality, access to established distribution channels, new product offerings and price.

        The manufacture of softside luggage is labor intensive but not capital intensive, so that the barriers to entry by competitors in this market segment are relatively low. We have many competitors in the softside luggage market. In addition, we compete with various larger retailers, some of whom are our customers, who have the ability to purchase private label softside luggage directly from manufacturers that operate in low labor cost countries. The manufacture of hardside and hybrid luggage is more capital intensive and there are relatively few finished goods vendors; consequently, barriers to entry are higher. Nonetheless, we have several competitors worldwide in the hardside luggage market.

Customers

        Our customers include specialty stores featuring luggage products, major department stores that carry luggage, retail chain stores, catalog showrooms, mass merchants, premium sales (sales direct to business), Internet retailers and discounters. We also sell certain products directly to consumers through Samsonite-operated retail stores in the United States, Europe, Latin America and Asia and over the internet at our www.samsonitecompanystores.com website. We do not depend on any single customer for more than 5% of our consolidated revenues.

Trademarks and Patents

        Trademarks and patents have a strategic importance to us. We are the registered owner of Samsonite, American Tourister and other trademarks. As of January 31, 2003, we had approximately 2,160 trademark registrations and 271 trademark applications pending in the United States and abroad covering luggage, travel equipment, apparel products and retail services. We also own approximately 138 United States patents and approximately 881 patents (i.e., patents of inventions, industrial design registrations and utility models) in selected foreign countries. In addition, we have approximately 358 patent applications pending worldwide. We pursue a policy of seeking patent protection where appropriate for inventions embodied in our products. Our patents and pending patent applications cover features popularized in our EZ CART®, Smart Pocket®, Hardlite®, Piggyback®, Ultravalet®, Xylem, Sideroller and Oyster luggage. Although some companies have sought to imitate some of our patented products and our trademarks, we have generally been successful in enforcing our worldwide intellectual property rights.

Employees and Labor Relations

        At January 31, 2003, we had approximately 5,400 employees worldwide, with approximately 1,300 employees in the United States and approximately 4,100 employees in other countries. In the United States, approximately 119 employees are unionized under a contract that is renewed every three years and was most recently renewed in April 2002. At January 31, 2003 we employed approximately 1,800 workers in our seven European manufacturing plants located in Belgium, France, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Italy and Hungary. In Europe, union membership varies from country to country and is not officially known to Samsonite. It is probable that most of our European workers are affiliated with a union. Most European union contracts have a one-year duration. We believe our employee and union relations are satisfactory.

Forward-Looking Statements

        Certain statements under "Business," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" and other places in this Annual Report constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can often be recognized by words such as "proposed", "may," "will," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "expect" and similar expressions. Variations on those or similar words, or the negative of those words, also may indicate forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual and future results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future estimated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the impact of the September 11, 2001 events on economic, political and public safety conditions that impact consumer confidence and spending and the possibility of additional terrorist attacks or related events; the spread of the SARS disease or other events which affect travel levels; general economic and business conditions, including foreign currency fluctuations; industry capacity; changes in consumer preferences; demographic changes; competition; changes in methods of distribution and technology; changes in political, social and economic conditions and local regulations; general levels of economic growth in emerging market countries; armed conflicts in the Middle East and other regions; the loss of significant customers; completion of new product developments within anticipated time frames; changes in interest rates; and other factors that are beyond our control.

        The forward-looking information referred to above includes, but is not limited to, estimated annual cost savings resulting from the restructuring activities described herein. In addition to the risks, uncertainties and other factors referred to above which may cause actual amounts to differ materially from estimated amounts, such estimates of annual cost savings are based on various factors and were derived utilizing numerous important assumptions, including (i) achieving estimated reductions in the number of total employees within anticipated time frames and at currently projected severance cost levels, while maintaining work flow in the business areas affected, (ii) the successful consolidation of the Company's U.S. and European manufacturing operations into existing facilities and transitioning some of the manufacturing to outside vendors and (iii) subleasing or terminating leases or selling vacated facilities within anticipated time frames and at anticipated sublease rent levels or sales prices. In addition, unanticipated increases in labor and material costs could adversely affect the Company's projected cost savings. The failure of the Company's assumptions to be realized may cause the actual annual cost savings to differ materially from the estimates.

        We undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements as conditions change.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

        The following table sets forth certain information relating to our principal properties and facilities. All of our manufacturing plants, in our opinion, have been adequately maintained and are in good operating condition. We believe that our existing facilities have sufficient capacity, together with sourcing capacity from third parties, to handle our sales volumes for the foreseeable future. The Company's headquarters in Denver share the same location as a distribution facility.

*

The Torhout, Belgium manufacturing facility was sold subsequent to January 31, 2003.

        We also maintain numerous leased sales offices and retail outlets in the United States and abroad.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        Information regarding our legal proceedings is contained in Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        Our common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), is presently traded by dealers using the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol "SAMC.OB". The table below sets forth the high and low per share sale prices for the Common Stock for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 and through May 13, 2003 (as reported on the OTC Bulletin Board). The closing price of the Common Stock on the OTC Bulletin Board on May 13, 2003 was $0.98 per share.

        As of May 13, 2003, the number of holders of record of our Common Stock was 99.

        All holders of shares of our Common Stock share ratably in any dividends declared by our Board of Directors. Any payment of dividends are at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, extent of indebtedness and contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends. The terms of our indebtedness and the certificate of designation for our 13⁷/8% Senior Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock") currently restrict us from paying dividends on our Common Stock.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The selected historical consolidated financial information presented below is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

        The selected historical consolidated financial information presented below should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere herein. The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with and are qualified in their entirety by the financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The financial statements and selected financial data do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of the uncertainty over the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

        During fiscal 2000, Apollo Investment L.P. and Artemis American Partnership made a $50.0 million investment in the Company by purchasing shares of Series Z Preferred Stock. The Series Z Preferred Stock was subsequently converted into a total of 8,333,333 shares of common stock in fiscal 2000.

        The Company has implemented various restructuring plans and incurred restructuring charges in fiscal 2003, 2002, 2001 and 1999 which may affect the comparability of the selected historical consolidated financial information presented above, and the comparability of such information to future years' financial information. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for further discussion of the fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001 restructurings.

        Subsequent to January 31, 2003, the Company entered into a recapitalization agreement whereby if completed, among other transactions, investors will purchase a new series of the Company's convertible preferred stock and the proceeds from the sale of the stock will be used to repay bank debt, to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the recapitalization and for working capital. As part of the recapitalization, the Company will also retire all of its 281,131 outstanding shares of 13⁷/8% senior redeemable exchangeable preferred stock in exchange for a combination of up to 54,000 shares of new preferred stock and (assuming the full amount of new preferred stock is elected to be received by existing preferred stockholders) approximately 205 million shares of common stock. In addition, upon closing of the recapitalization, the Company's existing senior credit facility will be replaced with a new $60 million revolving credit facility. The closing of the recapitalization is subject to numerous conditions, as further described in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern Matters." If completed, the recapitalization will affect the comparability of the selected historical consolidated financial information presented above to future years' financial information. However, no assurances can be given that the conditions to closing will be satisfied or that the recapitalization will ultimately be consummated.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the selected financial data and the consolidated financial statements of the Company and notes thereto commencing on page F-1. The Company's fiscal year ends on January 31. References to a fiscal year denote the calendar year in which the fiscal year ended; for example, Afiscal 2003" refers to the 12 months ended January 31, 2003. The Company's operations consist of the manufacture and sale of luggage and luggage related products, licensing of the Company's brand names and the design and sale of apparel.

Results of Operations

        The Company analyzes its net sales and operations by the following divisions: (i) "European" operations which include its European sales, manufacturing and distribution operations whose reporting currency is the euro; (ii) the "Americas" operations which include wholesale and retail sales and distribution operations and corporate headquarters in the United States, and "Other Americas" operations which include operations in Canada and Latin America; (iii) "Asian" operations which include the sales, manufacturing and distribution operations in India, China, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia; and (iv) licensing operations.

Fiscal 2003 Compared to Fiscal 2002

        General.    Results of European operations have been translated from euros to U.S. dollars in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002 at average rates of approximately .946 and .894 U.S. dollars to the euro, respectively. This increase in the value of the euro of approximately 5.8% resulted in increases in reported sales, cost of sales and other expenses in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. The most significant effects from the difference in exchange rates from last year to the current year are noted in the following analysis and are referred to as an "exchange rate difference". The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts and option contracts to reduce its economic exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates (and their effect on translated U.S. dollar reported earnings) for the euro and other foreign currencies. Such instruments are recorded at fair value at the end of each accounting period; realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Other Income (Expense)—Net. During fiscal 2003, the Company had a total of $4.8 million net realized and unrealized losses from such instruments included in Other Income (Expense)—Net. Realized losses on contracts closed during fiscal 2003 were $3.9 million. During fiscal 2002, the Company had net realized and unrealized gains from such instruments of $2.4 million. Realized gains on contracts closed during fiscal 2002 were $2.3 million. The Company estimates the positive impact on Operating Income from the year-to-year strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar from the prior year to be approximately $2.3 million in fiscal 2003. Although the euro strengthened during fiscal 2003, a declining euro can have an adverse effect on the Company's reported sales and Operating Income; the Company may not be able to offset exposure to currency losses through the aforementioned efforts.

        Net Sales.    Consolidated net sales increased from $736.3 million in fiscal 2002 to $744.0 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of $7.7 million, or 1.0% due to an increase in sales of the European and Asian operations. In addition, fiscal 2003 sales were positively affected by the increase in the value of the euro compared to the U.S. dollar. Without the effect of the exchange rate difference, fiscal 2003 sales would have declined by $9.3 million or approximately 1.3%.

        On a U.S. dollar basis, sales from European operations increased from $299.1 million in fiscal 2002 to $308.8 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of $9.7 million, or 3.2%. Expressed in the local European currency (euros), fiscal 2003 sales declined by 2.4%, or the U.S. constant dollar equivalent of $7.3 million, from fiscal 2002. The local currency sales decline in Europe is due to slow economic conditions, a generally sluggish retail climate and continued negative travel statistics in many European countries. One of Samsonite Europe's largest markets, Germany, has had a particularly sluggish economy which negatively affected the Company's luggage sales in the region. Sales of travel products (which comprise over 65% of European sales in fiscal 2003) declined 4.5% and sales of Samsonite black label products (which comprise approximately 4% of European sales in fiscal 2003) declined 47.4%. The decline in Samsonite black label product sales is the result in part to a change in the Company's business strategy whereby apparel product sales are licensed to a third party distributor. Offsetting these sales declines were a 40.0% increase in sales of casual bags due to strong sales of Lacoste casual bags since their introduction earlier in the year and a 4.2% increase in sales of business cases. Sales from Samsonite's company-owned retail stores in Europe increased 18.1% due primarily to an increase in the number of stores.

        Sales from the Americas operations declined from $353.8 million in fiscal 2002 to $349.4 million in fiscal 2003, a decline of $4.4 million or 1.2%. The decline was due to a decline in U.S. Retail sales of $3.0 million and a decline in Other Americas sales of $6.7 million, partially offset by an increase in U.S. Wholesale sales of $5.2 million. U.S. Wholesale sales increased from $186.2 million in the prior year to $191.4 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of 2.8%. Prior year U.S. Wholesale sales were adversely affected by the immediate impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks (the "September 11 events") on the U.S. economy and the travel industry and related businesses. Fiscal 2003 sales were improved by $7.1 million in new sales in the premium channel as part of a co-branded promotion with a tire company and $8.0 million in first time sales of computer bags to a computer manufacturer and seller. Increased sales to the warehouse club channel of 42% and mass merchant channel of 8% were offset by lower sales to the department store channel of 12% and office superstore channel of 32% and lower sales of exclusive label products of 29%. Sales in the U.S. Retail division declined from $111.8 million in the prior year to $108.8 million in fiscal 2003 due to a comparable store sales decline of 1.1% from the same period in the prior year and a fewer average number of stores open during the fiscal 2003 year. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company acquired 22 retail stores from a national specialty luggage retailer for approximately $1.0 million, which included the cost of acquired inventory. As of January 31, 2003, there were 195 company-owned retail stores, including the 22 stores purchased in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, compared to 183 stores at January 31, 2002. The decline in sales of the Other Americas from $55.9 million in the prior year to $49.2 million in fiscal 2003, or 12.0%, is due to lower sales from all of the Other Americas countries and a fiscal 2003 devaluation of the local currencies in Mexico and Latin America compared to the U.S. dollar. The steepest decline in sales came from Argentina due to the political and economic difficulties present in that country and a 70% devaluation of the Argentine peso relative to the U.S. dollar in fiscal 2003. Sales in Mexico and Latin America have been adversely affected by the weak economies in those regions. Fiscal 2003 sales from the Other Americas includes $6.4 million in sales from the Canadian molding operation which was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003.

        Sales from Asian operations increased from $62.6 million in fiscal 2002 to $67.5 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of $4.9 million or 7.8%. All of the Asian operations, except for Singapore, had sales increases over the prior year. The decline in sales from Singapore is due to slower economic conditions in the country and the transfer of sales to the Company's Malaysia operations which commenced in fiscal 2002. Previously, Singapore was the distributor to Malaysia. The most significant increase in revenues from Asian operations was in China with a $2.3 million, or 24% increase in revenues from the prior year, due primarily to economic growth in China and the success of new company-owned retail stores there.

        Royalty revenues from licensing operations declined $2.4 million to $18.3 million, an 11.6% decline over the prior year. A $1.1 million decline in revenues from the Japanese licensee and other international licensees of the Samsonite tradename and a decline in revenues from non-luggage brands of $1.5 million were partially offset by an increase in revenues from the license of Samsonite and American Tourister brand names in the U.S. and Canada of $0.2 million. Prior year revenues from non-luggage brands includes $1.1 million due to the sale of McGregor trademark registrations, primarily in China.

        Gross Profit.    Consolidated gross profit for fiscal 2003 of $313.7 million increased from fiscal 2002 by $21.0 million. Gross profit as a percentage of sales ("gross profit margin") increased by 2.4 percentage points, from 39.8% in fiscal 2002 to 42.2% in fiscal 2003. Excluding restructuring expenses of $3.3 million in fiscal 2003 and $5.5 million in fiscal 2002 included in cost of goods sold, gross profit margins were 42.6% in fiscal 2003 and 40.5% in fiscal 2002.

        Gross profit margins from European operations increased by 0.4 percentage points, from 39.9% in fiscal 2002 to 40.3% in fiscal 2003. The increase in European gross profit margins is due primarily to more favorable manufacturing variances and overhead as a result of the fiscal 2002 restructuring of European manufacturing operations. Additionally, fiscal 2002 margins were depressed by significantly lower sales (and fixed cost absorption) immediately following the September 11 events. Offsetting increases in gross margins for Europe compared to the prior year were unfavorable purchase price variances from increased raw materials prices and the adverse effect of hedges on goods purchased in U.S. dollars with the strengthening of the euro in the current year.

        Gross profit margins for the Americas operations increased 4.3 percentage points from 35.4% in fiscal 2002 to 39.7% in fiscal 2003; adjusted for certain expenses incurred related to the U.S. restructuring recorded in cost of goods sold, gross profit margins were 40.5% in fiscal 2003 and 36.9% in fiscal 2002. U.S. Wholesale gross profit margins improved from 27.0% in fiscal 2002 to 32.3% in fiscal 2003, or 29.9% in fiscal 2002 and 33.4% in fiscal 2003, adjusted for certain expenses incurred related to the U.S. restructuring recorded in cost of goods sold. The improvement in gross margins for U.S. Wholesale compared to the prior year is due primarily to the result of savings from the restructuring of the Company's U.S. manufacturing operations in fiscal 2002. Additionally, fiscal 2002 margins were depressed by significantly lower sales in the period immediately following the September 11 events. Gross profit margins for U.S. Retail were 4.2 percentage points higher than the prior year at 53.4% due primarily to higher selling prices, lower product costs and a favorable change in product sales mix. Gross profit margins in the Other Americas segment improved by 0.9 percentage points to 36.4% in fiscal 2003. Gross profit margins for the Asian operations increased by 3.4 percentage points to 48.9% in fiscal 2003 due to lower product costs and a favorable change in product sales mix.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A").    Consolidated SG&A declined by $9.8 million from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003. The decline in SG&A is due to lower costs associated with all areas of the business, except for Asia and the planned reduction in advertising and marketing expenses resulting from current economic conditions.

        SG&A for European operations declined by $0.8 million from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003. The exchange rate difference caused SG&A to increase by $4.6 million. Excluding the effect of exchange rate changes, Europe's SG&A declined by $5.4 million, or 6.2% in local currency due primarily to lower advertising and variable selling expenses. As a percent of sales, Europe's SG&A was 28.0% in 2003, compared to 29.2% in the prior year. Lower SG&A for Europe as a percent of sales is due primarily to outsourcing of the distribution of Samsonite black label products which are associated with higher than normal SG&A costs.

        SG&A for the Americas operations, including worldwide corporate headquarters, declined by $11.0 million in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. SG&A related to Corporate and U.S. Wholesale operations, combined, declined by $3.6 million, from $66.4 million in fiscal 2002 to $62.8 million in fiscal 2003. This decline is due primarily to lower dealer advertising, sales, marketing, freight to customers and general and administrative costs, offset by higher incentive compensation costs. Corporate and US Wholesale fiscal 2003 and 2002 SG&A expense includes $6.1 million and $6.2 million of pension income, respectively. The Company believes that the declines in pension plan asset values that occurred during the year and the current interest rate environment will cause annual pension income to be reduced by approximately $3.0 million to $4.0 million beginning in fiscal 2004. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Critical Accounting Policies" included elsewhere herein for a discussion of potential pension plan funding requirements. SG&A related to U.S. retail operations declined by $4.1 million due primarily to a fewer average number of stores open during fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. SG&A for Other Americas operations declined by $3.3 million due primarily to cost control measures implemented in response to lower sales, particularly in Argentina.

        SG&A for Asian operations increased by $2.4 million from fiscal 2002 in support of increased sales levels in fiscal 2003.

        Licensing SG&A declined by $0.4 million compared to the prior year.

        Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets.    Amortization and impairment of intangible assets of $1.4 million was lower than the prior year by $6.6 million in fiscal 2003. Effective February 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142". As a result of adopting SFAS No. 142, the Company no longer amortizes goodwill and intangible assets which have an indefinite life under the provisions of SFAS No. 142. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company wrote off approximately $3.3 million of impaired goodwill associated with its operations in Latin America.

        Asset Impairment and Provision for Restructuring Operations.    In the first quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company implemented a plan adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 to restructure its Mexico City operations. The Mexico City restructuring plan provides for the elimination of softside manufacturing in the Company's Mexico City facilities. The Company has determined that it can more cost effectively import its softside luggage products from China for distribution by the Mexico operations. A restructuring provision of $2.2 million was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2003 in connection with the Mexico City restructuring, relating primarily to termination and severance costs for approximately 322 positions, which have been eliminated. In connection with these activities, the Company recorded a $0.5 million asset impairment to the carrying amount of machinery and equipment, which will no longer be used in production in Mexico City. Fiscal 2003 operating cost savings from the fiscal 2003 Mexico City restructuring were approximately $0.4 million. Annual operating cost savings (translated to U.S. dollars using expected translation rates) from the fiscal 2003 Mexico City restructuring are expected to be approximately $1.5 million beginning in fiscal 2004 and annually thereafter.

        During fiscal 2003, the Company recorded additional asset impairments totaling $0.4 million to the carrying amount of machinery and equipment in the U.S. Wholesale and European operations associated with the fiscal 2002 restructuring of those operations.

        In fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a restructuring provision of $3.7 million relating to the discontinuation of manufacturing operations in Denver, Colorado. The provision relates to termination and severance costs for approximately 340 affected employees at the Denver manufacturing operations. Fiscal 2003 operating cost savings from the fiscal 2002 Denver restructuring were $6.4 million and are expected to be $7.7 million annually in future years.

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company also recorded a $2.9 million restructuring provision associated with the fiscal 2002 restructuring of softside manufacturing operations located in Nogales, Mexico. After the admission of China to the World Trade Organization, the Company determined it was more cost effective to purchase products previously manufactured in the Nogales, Mexico facility from Asian goods vendors. The restructuring includes discontinuing softside production in Nogales and vacating the leased manufacturing building. The provision related to termination and severance costs for the elimination of approximately 534 positions in the Company's manufacturing operations in Nogales, and building lease termination costs for the softside plant in Nogales. In connection with these activities, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $1.9 million asset impairment to the carrying amount of machinery and equipment which was no longer to be used in production at the Nogales manufacturing facility. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recorded a $0.6 million credit to the fiscal 2002 Denver restructuring reserve relating to management's determination that severance costs for the restructuring would be lower than initially anticipated. Fiscal 2003 operating cost savings from the Nogales restructuring were approximately $3.2 million. Annual operating cost savings from the Nogales restructuring (translated using expected translation rates) are expected to be approximately $5.0 million annually beginning in fiscal 2004.

        Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $5.0 million restructuring provision associated with the restructuring of the European operations which includes the elimination or downsizing of underutilized manufacturing facilities and labor forces. The provision related primarily to termination and severance costs for the elimination of 233 positions in the Company's manufacturing operations in Henin Beaumont, France, Tres Cantos, Spain, Torhout, Belgium, and Saltrio, Italy. Manufacturing in France will continue, although at a reduced level of output. The Torhout, Belgium manufacturing facility was sold subsequent to January 31, 2003. Manufacturing in Italy has been closed down and the existing leased facility continues to be used for other sales and distribution activity. Annual operating cost savings from the fiscal 2002 European restructuring were $2.0 million in fiscal 2003 and are expected to be approximately $2.5 million in fiscal 2004 and annually thereafter. In addition, the Company will avoid approximately $1.4 million annually beginning in fiscal 2003 of unfavorable plant production variances due to a reduction in excess production capacity in its European operations.

        Operating Income.    Operating income increased from $21.2 million in fiscal 2002 to $69.8 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of $48.6 million. This is the net result of an increase in gross profit of $21.0 million, a decline in SG&A of $9.8 million, a decline in asset impairment charges and provisions for restructuring operations of $11.1 million and a decline in amortization of intangible assets of $6.6 million.

        Interest Income.    Interest income which includes interest received from the temporary investment of excess cash balances, declined by $0.2 million compared to the prior year.

        Interest Expense and Amortization of Debt Issue Costs and Premium.    Interest expense and amortization of debt issue costs declined from $49.0 million in fiscal 2002 to $48.0 million in fiscal 2003 representing a decline of 2.0%. The decline in interest expense is due primarily to lower interest rates on and lower average balances outstanding under the Company's Senior Credit Facility. As of January 31, 2003, over 75% of the Company's debt was in fixed rate instruments. Interest expense includes $2.1 million in amortization of debt issuance costs in fiscal 2003 and 2002.

        Other Income (Expense)—Net.    See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a comparative analysis of the components of Other Income (Expense)—Net.

        Other expense—net, increased by $13.5 million from expense of $1.0 million in fiscal 2002 to expense of $14.5 million in fiscal 2003. The increase in expense is due to a change from realized and unrealized gains from forward exchange contracts to losses of $7.2 million, an increase in foreign currency translation and transactional losses of $1.8 million, primarily due to a devaluation of Latin American currencies, an increase in bank loan amendment fees and write-off of deferred financing costs of $1.3 million due primarily to the current year write down of non-recoverable costs associated with efforts to refinance the Company's Senior Credit Facility, the unfavorable change in gain (loss) on sale of fixed assets of $2.0 million due primarily to a loss on the sale of the Canadian molding operations, and an increase in other expenses of $1.2 million.

        The Company has entered into certain forward exchange contracts to reduce its economic exposure to changes in exchange rates. The Company estimates the increase in operating income from the strengthening of the euro versus the U.S. dollar from the prior year to be approximately $2.3 million and $1.0 million for fiscal 2003 and 2002, respectively. Other income, net for fiscal 2003 includes net realized and unrealized losses from forward exchange contracts of $4.8 million which are included in Other Income (Expense)—Net. Realized losses on contracts closed during fiscal 2003 were $3.9 million. In fiscal 2002, net realized and unrealized gains were $2.4 million. Realized gains on contracts closed during fiscal 2002 were $2.3 million.

        Income Taxes.    Income tax expense decreased from $6.9 million in fiscal 2002 to $3.0 million in fiscal 2003, a decline of $3.3 million. The decline in income tax expense is due primarily to a $5.0 million credit to income tax expense in fiscal 2003. As a result of the completion of federal income tax audits in the U.S., the Company reduced U.S. federal and state accrued income taxes by $5.0 million in fiscal 2003 for excess accrued taxes related to prior years. This decline was partially offset by higher foreign income taxes for the European and Asian operations associated with higher taxable income from those operations. Valuation allowances were provided for all U.S. deferred tax assets in fiscal 2003 and 2002 based on an assessment of the likelihood of their realization in view of (i) the U.S. current year net operating loss for book and tax purposes, (ii) expiration dates for tax net operating losses incurred in prior years, and (iii) the Company's forecasts of future taxable income taking into account the level of ongoing interest expense as a result of the 1998 recapitalization. The difference between expected income tax expense, computed by applying the U.S. statutory rate to income from continuing operations, and income tax expense recognized, results primarily because of (i) foreign income tax expense provided on foreign earnings, (ii) the effect of providing no tax benefit for U.S. operating losses, and (iii) state and local income taxes.

        Extraordinary Gain.    During fiscal 2002, the Company repurchased and retired $7.6 million principal amount of its 10³/4% Senior Subordinated Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the Notes and the amount at which they were repurchased by the Company in fiscal 2002 was recorded as a gain, net of deferred financing costs, and classified as an extraordinary item.

        Net Loss.    The Company had net income in fiscal 2003 of $3.3 million compared to a net loss in fiscal 2002 of $33.6 million. The $36.9 million favorable change from a net loss in the prior year to net income in the current year is the result of increases in operating income and declines in interest and income tax expense, offset by a decline in interest income and increases in other expense—net and minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries.

        Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends and Accretion of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock Discount.    This item represents the accrual of cumulative dividends on Senior Redeemable Senior Preferred Stock and the accretion of the original issue discount over the twelve-year term of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock. The increase of $5.3 million in dividends versus the prior year is due to the compounding effects of the dividend rate on previously issued share dividends.

        Net Loss to Common Stockholders.    This amount represents net loss after dividends payable and the accretion of the original issue discount on the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock and is the amount used to calculate net loss per common share. The net loss to common stockholders decreased from $71.1 million to $39.5 million; the net loss per common share declined from $3.59 to $1.99 per share.

Fiscal 2002 Compared to Fiscal 2001

September 11, 2001 Events

        On September 11, 2001, terrorists, through the use of hijacked airplanes, attacked the World Trade Center towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Subsequent to the September 11 events, the United States and its allies commenced a war on terrorism throughout the world with its initial focus on Afghanistan. As a result, allied military forces invaded Afghanistan and commenced military action. These events negatively impacted economies in the United States and Europe. The travel industry and related businesses, including the sale of luggage products, were disproportionately negatively impacted by these economic conditions. In the days immediately following September 11, the Company experienced a decline in sales volumes from the prior year and normal operating levels and consumer purchases of luggage products at retail stores ("consumer sell-through") significantly declined. Sales recovered somewhat in the ensuing months through the end of fiscal 2002 but remained well below the prior year and management's prior expectations. For the quarter ended January 31, 2002, improvement in consumer sell-through was not accompanied by the normal pattern of an increase in wholesale customer reorders because wholesale customers reduced inventory levels to control inventory risk and protect financial liquidity. Sales of the Company's non-luggage products such as casual bags, business and computer cases were less dramatically effected by the September 11 events and reflect growth over the prior year.

        General.    Beginning with fiscal 2002, the functional currency for financial reporting purposes of the European operations is the euro. Prior to fiscal 2002, Europe's functional currency was the Belgian franc. Results of European operations were translated from euros to U.S. dollars in fiscal 2002 and the Belgian franc equivalent in fiscal 2001 at average rates of approximately .894 and .922 U.S. dollars to the euro, respectively. This decline in the value of the euro of approximately 3.0% resulted in declines in reported sales, cost of sales and other expenses in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001. The most significant effects from the difference in exchange rates from last year to the current year are noted in the following analysis and are referred to as an "exchange rate difference". The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts and option contracts to reduce its economic exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates (and their effect on translated U.S. dollar reported earnings) for the euro and other foreign currencies. Such instruments are recorded at fair value at the end of each accounting period; realized and unrealized gains and losses are recorded in Other Income (Expense)—Net. During fiscal 2002, the Company had a total of $2.4 million net realized and unrealized gains from such instruments included in Other Income (Expense)—Net. Realized gains on contracts closed during fiscal 2002 were $2.3 million. During fiscal 2001, the Company had net gains from such instruments of $5.9 million. Realized gains on contracts closed during fiscal 2001 were $5.5 million. The Company estimates the negative impact on Operating Income from the year-to-year strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the euro from the prior year to be approximately $1.0 million in fiscal 2002 which was offset by gains realized on forward foreign exchange contracts which are included in Other Income. Declining European currencies have an adverse effect on the Company's reported sales and can have an adverse effect on Operating Income; the Company may not be able to offset exposure to currency losses through the aforementioned efforts to reduce economic exposure to such currency fluctuations.

        Net Sales.    Consolidated net sales decreased from $783.9 million in fiscal 2001 to $736.3 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of $47.6 million, or 6.1% due to a significant decline in sales during the final five months of the fiscal year. Sales during the period August 31, 2001 through January 31, 2002 decreased $53.1 million from the same period in the prior year, a decline of 16.3%. In addition, fiscal 2002 sales were adversely affected by the decline in the value of the euro compared to the U.S. dollar in fiscal 2001. Without the effect of the exchange rate difference, fiscal 2002 sales would have declined by $38.0 million or approximately 4.8%.

        On a U.S. dollar basis, sales from European operations declined from $313.4 million in fiscal 2001 to $299.1 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of $14.3 million, or 4.6%. Expressed in the local European currency (euros), fiscal 2002 sales declined by 1.5%, or the U.S. constant dollar equivalent of $4.6 million, from fiscal 2001. Local currency sales of softside products declined approximately 1% from the prior year while hardside product sales declined approximately 9%. Local currency sales of Samsonite black label products (clothing, footwear and accessories) declined approximately 2% to $23.9 million. Partially offsetting these declines was a 72% increase in local currency sales from casual bag products and a 52% increase in sales from expanding European retail operations. The decline in European sales volumes is due primarily to the effect of the September 11 events. Sales volumes in the four-month period immediately following September 11 declined $11.1 million, or 10.6%, from the same period in the prior year.

        Sales from the Americas operations declined from $400.1 million in fiscal 2001 to $353.8 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of $46.3 million or 11.6%. The decline was due to a decline in U.S. Wholesale sales of $24.1 million, a decline in U.S. Retail sales of $19.5 million and a decline in Other Americas sales of $2.7 million. U.S. Wholesale sales declined from $210.3 million in the prior year to $186.2 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of 11.5%. The decline in U.S. Wholesale sales is due primarily to the impact of the September 11 events on travel, tourism and consumer spending in the U.S., lower sales to the traditional channel and the loss of $8.6 million in sales to a single customer in the catalog sales distribution channel which discontinued its luggage category. During the five month period ended January 31, 2002, U.S. Wholesale sales volume declined $26.1 million or 30.6% compared to the same period in the prior year. These declines were partially offset by higher sales to the warehouse club, mass merchant and office superstore distribution channels. Sales in the U.S. Retail division declined from $131.3 million in the prior year to $111.8 million in fiscal 2002. Comparable store sales in the U.S. Retail division declined by 11.5% from the same period in the prior year. The weakness in the outlet store distribution channel prior to September 11, 2001 was exacerbated by the effects of the September 11 events. During the period immediately following the September 11 events, U.S. Retail comparable store sales declined approximately 37% compared to the prior year. The Company closed a net 15 stores compared to the prior year which lowered sales by $8.7 million. The decline in sales of Other Americas from $58.5 million in the prior year to $55.9 million in fiscal 2002, or 4.4% is due to lower sales from all of the Other Americas countries. The steepest decline in sales came from Argentina due to the political and economic difficulties present in that country.

        Sales from Asian operations increased from $53.1 million in fiscal 2001 to $62.6 million in fiscal 2002, an increase of $9.5 million or 17.9%. Sales from Asian operations have benefited from economic recovery in some parts of this region, the Company's strategy of building market share during the previous economic crisis and building the prestige of the Samsonite brand name in this region. The most significant increase in revenues from Asian operations was in Korea with a $4.3 million, or 25.2% increase in revenues from the prior year. In June 2000, the Company acquired from its joint venture partner, its 50% interest in Chia Tai Samsonite (H.K.) Ltd ("Chia Tai"), a joint venture formed to manufacture and distribute luggage in China. Prior to the acquisition, the Company owned 50% of the joint venture and accounted for it under the equity method. Since the acquisition, the financial statements of Chia Tai have been consolidated with the Company's. Revenues of Chia Tai totaling $9.4 million and $3.5 million are included in sales from Asian operations for fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. Despite the increase in revenues from Asian operations compared to the prior year, sales from the Asian operations were also unfavorably impacted by the September 11 events compared to pre-September 11 sales growth levels.

        Revenues from U.S. licensing increased $3.2 million, or approximately 32.9%, compared to revenues in the prior year. Samsonite and American Tourister label licensing revenues increased $2.6 million due to new license agreements signed in fiscal 2002 and strong sales of licensed Samsonite business cases. Global Licensing revenues increased $0.6 million due to the sale of McGregor trademark registrations, primarily in China.

        Gross Profit.    Consolidated gross profit for fiscal 2002 of $292.7 million declined from fiscal 2001 by $31.5 million. Gross profit as a percentage of sales ("gross profit margin") declined by 1.6 percentage points, from 41.4% in fiscal 2001 to 39.8% in fiscal 2002.

        Gross profit margins from European operations declined by 1.6 percentage points, from 41.5% in fiscal 2001 to 39.9% in fiscal 2002. The decline in European gross profit margins is due primarily to a decline in sales of hardside luggage in favor of softside luggage having a generally lower gross profit margin and a decline in the gross profit margin of hardside sales due to introductions of new products with lower average gross profit margins. In addition, during the five month period ended January 31, 2002, the Company implemented strategies to lower working capital and manage liquidity levels. The results of these strategies caused the incurrence of unfavorable plant production variances and other expenses due to the temporary shutdown of certain manufacturing facilities and the slow down of production in other facilities. These declines were partially offset by higher gross profit margins on softside products and Hedgren products compared to the prior year.

        Gross profit margins for the Americas operations declined 3.3 percentage points from 38.7% in fiscal 2001 to 35.4% in fiscal 2002; adjusted for certain expenses incurred related to the U.S. restructuring recorded in cost of goods sold, gross profit margin was 36.9%. U.S. Wholesale gross profit margins declined from 31.3% in fiscal 2001 to 27.0% in fiscal 2002, or 29.9%, adjusted for certain expenses incurred related to the U.S. restructuring recorded in cost of goods sold. The decline in gross margin for U.S. Wholesale compared to the prior year is due primarily to higher sales of products which carry lower margins and an unexpected decline in sales and unfavorable plant production variances caused by the decline in demand relating to the events of September 11. Gross profit margins for U.S. Retail were 1.8 percentage points lower than the prior year at 49.2% due primarily to severe price competition. Gross profit margins in the Other Americas segment declined from 37.6% in fiscal 2001 to 35.5% in fiscal 2002 due to lower sales volumes.

        Gross margins for the Asian operations increased from 44.7% in the prior year to 45.5% in fiscal 2002 due to higher sales volumes of products with lower product costs.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ("SG&A").    Consolidated SG&A declined by $10.8 million from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002. The decline in SG&A is due to lower costs associated with the Americas operations, primarily U.S. Wholesale, in an effort to reduce costs in light of market conditions existing after September 11, 2001. As a percent of sales, SG&A was 33.9% in fiscal 2002 and 33.3% in fiscal 2001.

        SG&A for European operations increased by $1.3 million from fiscal 2001 to fiscal 2002. The exchange rate difference caused SG&A to decline by $2.8 million. Excluding the effect of exchange rate changes, Europe's SG&A increased by $4.1 million, or 4.7% in local currency due to additional costs to support new product lines and expanding retail operations. As a percent of sales, Europe's SG&A was 29.2% in 2002, or 1.7 percentage points higher than the prior year.

        SG&A for the Americas operations, including worldwide corporate headquarters, declined by $14.1 million in fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001. SG&A related to Corporate and U.S. Wholesale operations, combined, declined by $10.3 million, from $76.7 million in fiscal 2001 to $66.4 million in fiscal 2002. This decline is due primarily to lower selling, warehousing, national advertising and dealer advertising costs. SG&A related to U.S. retail operations declined by $4.6 million due primarily to fewer stores open during fiscal 2002 compared to fiscal 2001 and implementation of expense reduction programs. SG&A for Other Americas operations increased by $0.8 million due to a full year of costs for the retail operations which were acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2001.

        SG&A for Asian operations increased by $1.8 million from fiscal 2001. The increase was primarily to support increased sales levels in fiscal 2002. As a percent of sales, Asia's SG&A was 27.9% in fiscal 2002 compared to 29.7% in fiscal 2001.

        Licensing SG&A increased by $0.2 million compared to the prior year.

        Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets.    Amortization of intangible assets increased from $4.7 million in fiscal 2001 to $8.0 million in fiscal 2002. The increase in amortization expense is due to a $3.3 million charge recorded for the impairment of goodwill associated with the Company's operations in South America. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 the Company wrote-off the remaining unamortized balance of goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of two distributorships in Argentina and Uruguay and the eight-store retail chain in Argentina. Due to the political unrest and the severe economic decline in Argentina, it was determined that the entire amount of such goodwill had been impaired.

        Asset Impairment and Provision for Restructuring Operations.    The Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 affecting the U.S. operations. The restructuring includes the consolidation of the Company's Tucson, Arizona manufacturing facility with an existing facility in Nogales, Mexico, the closure of the Denver manufacturing plant and some of the Company's U.S. retail stores, and reorganization and streamlining of the U.S. sales and marketing workforce.

        The closure of the Denver manufacturing plant was announced and communicated to the affected employees on February 22, 2001. A restructuring provision of $3.7 million was recorded in fiscal 2002 in connection with the closure of the Denver plant. The provision relates to termination and severance costs for the affected employees at the Denver plant. The reduction of the U.S. Sales and Marketing workforce and the consolidation of the Tucson, Arizona operations with those in Nogales, Mexico was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001.

        The Company's Board of Directors approved a restructuring plan during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 related to operating cost reduction initiatives implemented in the Company's operations in Europe and softside manufacturing operations located in Nogales, Mexico.

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $5.0 million restructuring provision associated with the restructuring of the European operations which includes the elimination or downsizing of underutilized hardside suitcase manufacturing facilities and labor forces. The provision relates primarily to termination and severance costs for the elimination of approximately 233 positions in the Company's manufacturing operations in Henin Beaumont, France, Tres Cantos, Spain, Torhout, Belgium, and Saltrio, Italy. Manufacturing in France will continue, although at a reduced level of output. It is expected that the Torhout, Belgium manufacturing facility will be sold in fiscal 2004. Manufacturing in Italy will be closed down and the existing leased facility will continue to be used for other sales and distribution activity.

        During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $2.9 million restructuring provision associated with the fiscal 2002 restructuring of softside manufacturing operations located in Nogales, Mexico. After the admission of China to the World Trade Organization, the Company determined it was more cost effective to purchase products previously manufactured in the Nogales, Mexico facility from Asian goods vendors. The restructuring includes discontinuing softside production in Nogales and vacating the leased manufacturing building. The provision relates to termination and severance costs for the elimination of approximately 534 positions in the Company's manufacturing operations in Nogales, and building lease termination costs for the softside plant in Nogales. In connection with these activities, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a $1.9 million asset impairment to the carrying amount of machinery and equipment which will no longer be used in production at the Nogales manufacturing facility. Impairment losses were calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over the assets' estimated fair values. The fair values of the assets were determined based on internally generated estimates of market value.

        Operating Income.    Operating income declined from $50.8 million in fiscal 2001 to $21.2 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of $29.6 million. This is the net result of a decline in gross profit of $31.5 million, an increase in provision for restructuring operations of $10.0 million and an increase in amortization of intangible assets of $3.4 million, net of a decline in SG&A of $10.8 million and asset impairment expense of $4.5 million. Without the impacts of asset impairment expense, the restructuring provision and the goodwill write-off, operating earnings were $38.3 million in fiscal 2002.

        Interest Income.    Interest income which includes interest received from the temporary investment of excess cash balances, declined by $0.4 million compared to the prior year.

        Interest Expense and Amortization of Debt Issue Costs and Premium.    Interest expense and amortization of debt issue costs declined from $49.8 million in fiscal 2001 to $49.0 million in fiscal 2002 representing a decline of 1.6%. The decline is due to lower average interest rates on debt balances outstanding during the year. Interest expense includes $2.0 million and $2.1 million in amortization of debt issuance costs in fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. As of January 31, 2002, over 65% of the Company's debt was in fixed rate instruments.

        Other Income (Expense)—Net.    See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for a comparative analysis of the components of Other Income (Expense)—Net.

        The Company has entered into certain forward exchange contracts to reduce its economic exposure to changes in exchange rates. The Company estimates the reduction in operating income from the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the euro from the prior year to be approximately $1.0 million and $6.8 million for fiscal 2002 and 2001, respectively. Other income, net for fiscal 2002 includes net realized and unrealized gains from forward exchange contracts of $2.4 million which are included in Other Income (Expense)—Net. Realized gains on contracts closed during fiscal 2002 were $2.3 million. In fiscal 2001, such gains were $5.9 million. Realized gains on contracts closed during fiscal 2001 were $5.5 million.

        Other income (expense)—net, declined by $5.2 million from income of $4.2 million in fiscal 2001 to expense of $1.0 million in fiscal 2002. The decline in income is due to lower realized and unrealized gains from forward exchange contracts of $3.5 million, an increase in bank loan amendment fees and charges of $1.1 million and a net change in other income and expense items of $0.6 million.

        Income Taxes.    Income tax expense declined from $12.3 million in fiscal 2001 to $6.9 million in fiscal 2002, a decline of $5.4 million. The reduction in income tax expense is due to lower foreign income taxes for the European operations due to lower taxable income from those operations. This reduction was partially offset by higher foreign income taxes for the Asian subsidiary which had higher pretax earnings compared to the prior year. Valuation allowances were provided for all U.S. deferred tax assets in fiscal 2002 and 2001 based on an assessment of the likelihood of their realization in view of (i) the U.S. current year net operating loss for book and tax purposes, (ii) expiration dates for tax net operating losses incurred in prior years, and (iii) the Company's forecasts of future taxable income taking into account the level of ongoing interest expense as a result of the 1998 recapitalization. The difference between expected income tax expense, computed by applying the U.S. statutory rate to income from continuing operations, and income tax expense recognized, results primarily because of (i) foreign income tax expense provided on foreign earnings, (ii) the effect of providing no tax benefit for U.S. operating losses, and (iii) state and local income taxes.

        Extraordinary Gain.    During each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2001, the Company repurchased and retired $7.6 million principal amount of its 10³/4% Senior Subordinated Notes. The difference between the principal amount of the Notes and the amount at which they were repurchased by the Company in fiscal 2002 and 2001 was recorded as a gain, net of deferred financing costs, and classified as an extraordinary item.

        Net Loss.    The Company had a net loss in fiscal 2002 of $33.6 million compared to a net loss in fiscal 2001 of $6.8 million. The $26.8 million increase in the net loss from the prior year is the result of the declines in operating income, interest income, other income, net, and extraordinary gain, offset by declines in interest expense, income tax expense and minority interest in earnings of subsidiaries.

        Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends and Accretion of Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock Discount.    This item represents the accrual of cumulative dividends on Senior Redeemable Senior Preferred Stock and the accretion of the discount over the twelve-year term of the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock. The increase of $4.6 million in dividends versus the prior year is due to the compounding effects of the dividend rate on previously issued share dividends.

        Net Loss to Common Stockholders.    This amount represents net loss after dividends payable and the accretion of discount on the Senior Redeemable Preferred Stock and is the amount used to calculate net loss per common share. The net loss to common stockholders increased from $39.7 million to $71.1 million; the net loss per common share increased from $2.01 to $3.59 per share.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Going Concern Matters

        On June 24, 2003, amounts outstanding under the European term loan ($37.5 million at January 31, 2003) and revolving credit facility ($9.0 million at January 31, 2003) portions of the Company's senior bank credit facility become due. Unless the Company is successful in refinancing or extending the senior credit facility, it will not be able to make such required principal payments. Nonpayment of principal amounts due June 24, 2003 is a default under the senior credit facility and could result in an acceleration of all amounts due thereunder. In addition, such a default under the senior credit facility could result in any or all of the following: default under the senior subordinated notes indenture and an acceleration of amounts due thereunder, a requirement to pay penalty dividends and to grant representation on the Company's board of directors to the senior redeemable preferred stockholders, and the Company's inability to meet its other obligations as they become due.

        Subsequent to January 31, 2003, the Company entered into a recapitalization agreement dated May 1, 2003 whereby, among other transactions, investors will purchase 106,000 shares of a new series of the Company's convertible preferred stock with an initial dividend rate of 8% for $106 million. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the stock to repay bank debt, to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the recapitalization and for working capital. In addition, upon closing of the recapitalization, the Company's existing senior credit facility will be replaced with a new $60 million revolving credit facility. The closing of the recapitalization is subject to numerous conditions, including the receipt of approval from the holders of a majority of each of the Company's outstanding common stock and outstanding preferred stock, governmental and other third-party approvals, a maximum net debt level, entering into the new credit facility and the absence of a material adverse change. The closing of the recapitalization is also subject to the condition that the Company and the PBGC reach an agreement satisfactory to the new investors with respect to, among other things, the Company's ability to refinance the new credit facility in the future. If the conditions described above, including the PBGC condition, are not satisfied, it is uncertain whether a recapitalization will be consummated in which case, the Company will need to consider other possible alternatives available to it.

        On April 30, 2003, the Company also entered into an amendment of the senior credit facility which will, upon satisfaction of certain conditions to effectiveness relating to the recapitalization agreement, extend the final maturity date of the European term loan facilities and revolving credit facility due June 24, 2003 to June 24, 2004. Among other things, conditions to the effectiveness of the amendment to the senior credit facility include executing the recapitalization agreement, obtaining a lender commitment letter for a new $60 million credit facility, and resolving certain issues with the PBGC in a manner satisfactory to the new investors and lenders. As of May 15, 2003, the Company has satisfied all conditions to the effectiveness of the senior credit facility extension amendment except the condition relating to the PBGC issues.

        As part of the recapitalization, the Company will also retire all of its 281,131 outstanding shares of 13⁷/8% senior redeemable exchangeable preferred stock (which had an aggregate liquidation preference of approximately $333.4 million at March 15, 2003) in exchange for a combination of up to 54,000 shares of new preferred stock (with an aggregate liquidation preference of $54 million) and (assuming the full amount of new preferred stock is elected to be received by existing preferred stockholders) approximately 205 million shares of common stock.

        The holders of the existing preferred stock will be given a choice to exchange their 13⁷/8% preferred stock for either a combination of new convertible preferred stock and common stock or common stock and warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.75 per share. The holders of the existing preferred stock choosing common stock and warrants will receive warrants to purchase 276 shares of common stock for each share of existing preferred stock.

        The 160,000 shares of new preferred stock will be initially convertible into an aggregate of 381 million shares of common stock and will vote with the common stock on an as-converted basis on all matters submitted to a vote of common stockholders. The shares of new preferred stock issued to the new investors will represent approximately 42% of the Company's voting stock immediately following the recapitalization. The shares of new preferred stock and common stock issued in the exchange will represent approximately 55% of the Company's outstanding voting stock immediately following the recapitalization. As a result of the recapitalization, the existing common stockholders will be diluted to approximately 3% of the Company's outstanding voting stock. The new investors and their affiliates will control approximately 56% of the outstanding voting stock immediately following the recapitalization.

        Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to closing the recapitalization transaction, the Company expects the closing of the recapitalization to occur in the third calendar quarter of 2003. However, no assurance can be given that the conditions to closing will be satisfied or that the recapitalization will ultimately be consummated.

        The Company's ability to continue as a going concern depends on its ability to complete the recapitalization or obtain new sources of financing to pay its obligations as they become due or extend the maturity dates of its senior credit facility, and upon maintaining adequate liquidity and achieving sustained profitability. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of operations and realization of assets and liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result if the Company was forced to discontinue its operations.

        As reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows included elsewhere herein, cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $8.8 million compared with the prior year primarily as a result of the increase in cash provided by operations adjusted for non-cash items of $22.9 million, and by a decrease in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $14.1 million. The increase in cash provided by operations adjusted for non-cash items is due primarily to the reduction in the Company's net loss as discussed above. At January 31, 2003, the Company had current assets in excess of current liabilities of $76.3 million compared to $169.8 million at January 31, 2002, a decline of $93.5 million, net of exchange rate effects. Current assets declined by $32.6 million due to a decline in cash of $46.7 million and a decline in inventories of $11.0 million, offset by increases in receivables of $21.1 million, deferred taxes of $0.1 million and prepaid expenses and other current assets of $3.9 million. The decline in cash from fiscal 2002 to 2003 is due to the following: in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company borrowed substantially all remaining availability under the $70 million revolving credit line of the senior credit facility to provide additional liquidity in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In fiscal 2003, the Company repaid all the revolving credit borrowings, except for $9.0 million, which remains outstanding as of January 31, 2003. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002 the Company reduced expenses and scaled back purchasing in response to the slower business climate and reduction in sales following the terrorist attacks. The increase in trade and other receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities and the decline in inventory reflect a return to a higher level of sales and purchasing activity since January 31, 2002.

        Cash flows used in investing activities increased from $9.0 million in fiscal 2002 to $10.6 million in fiscal 2003, an increase of $1.6 million. This was primarily caused by a decline in proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $3.0 million in fiscal 2003. Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2002 include proceeds from the sale of real estate in Rhode Island of $2.8 million. Capital expenditures in fiscal 2003 consist primarily of upgrades, replacements of machinery and equipment and purchases of machinery and equipment for new products at the Company's manufacturing and distribution facility in Belgium.

        Cash flows used in financing activities increased from cash provided of $48.3 million in fiscal 2002 to net cash payments of $59.2 million in fiscal 2003, an increase in cash used of $107.5 million. This change was primarily caused by the borrowing of funds under the senior credit facility in fiscal 2002 and subsequent repayment in fiscal 2003 as discussed above.

        The Company's cash flow from operations together with amounts available under its credit facilities were sufficient to fund fiscal 2003 operations, scheduled payments of principal and interest on indebtedness, and capital expenditures. The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under the senior credit facility. Assuming that the amendment to extend the maturity date of the senior credit facility can be made effective or that a recapitalization or refinancing transaction can be consummated as discussed in the preceding paragraphs, management of the Company believes that cash flow from future operations and amounts available under its credit facilities, including emerging market credit facilities will be adequate to fund operating requirements during the next 12 months. The Company's results of operations and cash flows are particularly sensitive to any events which adversely affect the travel industry and could therefore be adversely affected by another major terrorist attack, the war in Iraq, or any other event that has the impact of restricting or reducing travel.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing and Other Matters

        The Company's most significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements as of January 31, 2003 are non-cancelable operating lease agreements, primarily for retail floor space and warehouse rental. In certain European countries, the Company receives negotiable trade acceptances as payment for goods with maturities from 60 to 90 days from the date of issuance. These instruments are generally discounted to banks with recourse. At January 31, 2003, approximately $11.9 million of such instruments had been discounted and, by the terms of their maturity dates, were uncollected by the holders. Any probable bad debt losses for trade receivables or acceptances have been reserved for in the allowance for doubtful accounts. Additionally, the Company's lenders have issued letters of credit in the U.S. totaling $4.9 million and documentary letters of credit in Europe totaling $1.1 million as of January 31, 2003. The Company has issued other guarantees totaling $1.6 million in Europe to meet operational requirements.

        The following summarizes the Company's contractual cash obligations under long-term debt and capital lease obligations and operating lease agreements as of January 31, 2003:

        Such disclosure does not include the Company's obligations under purchase orders or non-cancelable agreements to purchase goods or services in the ordinary course of business; the Company does not believe it has entered into any such agreements that extend beyond January 31, 2004.

        The Company's Board of Directors has determined not to declare the March 15, 2002, June 15, 2002, September 15, 2002, December 15, 2002 and March 15, 2003 pay-in-kind dividend on the Company's redeemable preferred stock. Non-payment of the dividend does not constitute a default, has no current effect on the rights or obligations of the Company or the preferred stockholders and has no effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In accordance with the terms of the preferred stock, the dividends will continue to accumulate and compound quarterly at the stated rate of 13⁷/8% per annum and the accumulated dividends will be added to the liquidation preference of the preferred stock. The dividend was not declared due to legal requirements under Delaware law and the Company does not expect to declare or pay dividends on the preferred stock for the foreseeable future. Dividends on the redeemable preferred stock become payable in cash after June 15, 2003. If the Company does not declare and pay these cash dividends, the dividends will begin to accumulate at a rate of 15⁷/8% per annum until such dividends are paid in full in cash; additionally, if the Company fails to declare and pay the cash dividends on any two dividend payment dates, the number of directors is required to be adjusted by the number necessary to permit the holders of the senior redeemable preferred stock, voting separately and as one class, to elect the lesser of two directors or that number of directors constituting at least 25% of the entire Board of Directors.

        Due to recent declines in stock market valuations and the current interest rate environment, in future periods the Company may be required to make cash contributions into its U.S. pension plan. The Company estimates that it may be required to make cash contributions to the U.S. pension plan ranging between $2 million per year and $15 million per year beginning as early as fiscal 2004. Total contributions required during the five fiscal years ending January 31, 2008 could approximate $20 to $35 million. If such contributions were required, they would need to be funded out of cash flow from operations or additional borrowings. The Company has prepared these estimates based on what it believes are reasonable assumptions related to expected future rates of return on pension assets and interest rates. Actual cash contributions required to be made to the U.S. pension plan could vary significantly from these estimates based on actual future returns on pension assets and future interest rates, both of which are highly unpredictable. The United States Congress is considering proposals to provide relief from increased pension plan funding requirements, which could reduce these estimated future funding amounts. There can be no assurance that such proposals will result in legislation that will provide a significant reduction to the aforementioned pension funding requirement estimates.

        The Company's principal foreign operations are located in Western Europe, the economies of which are not considered to be highly inflationary. The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts in order to reduce its exposure on certain foreign operations through the use of forward delivery commitments. During the past several years, the Company's most effective reduction to exposure against foreign currency changes has been the foreign currency denominated debt balances maintained in respect to its foreign operations. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to offset losses in sales and operating income from negative exchange rate fluctuations through foreign currency forward exchange contracts, options, or other instruments which may be available to reduce economic exposure to currency fluctuations. Geographic concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are not significant as a result of the diverse geographic areas covered by the Company's operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

        The Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 1 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

        The Company's accounting for inventory at the lower of cost or market value, accruals for allowances for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of intangible assets not being amortized, accruals for restructuring activities and U.S. defined benefit pension plan involve accounting policies which are most affected by management's judgment and the use of estimates.

Inventories

        The Company writes down its inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of such inventory and estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions for the products in our wholesale distribution channels and retail outlet stores. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

        The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on its historical experience and provides for any specific collection issues that are identified. Such allowances have historically been adequate to provide for our doubtful accounts but involve a significant degree of management judgment and estimation. Better or worse than expected future economic conditions, unknown customer credit problems and other factors may require adjustments to allowances for doubtful accounts provided for in future periods.

Asset Impairment and Provision for Restructuring Operations

        The Company provides for restructuring activities and impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with EITF 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring) and SFAS 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of. The Company's provisions for such items has historically been adequate; however, such provisions involve significant estimates of certain liabilities and of the market value of assets to be disposed of which can be affected by future events and market conditions.

Intangibles Not Being Amortized

        Upon the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 ("SAFS 142"), Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, on February 1, 2002, the Company discontinued amortization of intangibles with an indefinite life consisting of the unamortized cost of goodwill of $3.3 million and the unamortized cost of the Samsonite and American Tourister tradenames of $84.1 million. SFAS 142 requires that intangibles not subject to amortization be tested annually, or more frequently as events and circumstances dictate, by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount. The Company has estimated the fair market value of unamortized goodwill and the Samsonite and American Tourister tradenames using internally developed estimates of fair market value and believes no impairment of the unamortized carrying amount has occurred as of January 31, 2003. Such estimation of the fair market value of intangibles involves significant assumptions which may be affected by future events and market conditions.

Pension Plans

        The Company has a qualified defined benefit plan which covers most of its U.S. employees and a nonqualified defined benefit plan which covers certain highly compensated executives (together "the Plans"). The Company records pension expense and income in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87. There have been significant credits to the results of operations as a result of the Plans based on actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are several important assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on Plan assets, which are updated at the beginning of each plan year based on current market conditions. Significant changes in pension credits or expense may occur in the future due to changes in assumptions caused by changing market conditions.

        The key assumptions used in developing the pension credit of $6.1 million related to the Plans in fiscal 2003 were a 7.00% discount rate; an 8.25% expected return on plan assets, and a 3.50% rate of compensation increase. In the prior fiscal year 2002, assumptions used were a 7.25% discount rate; an 8.25% expected return on plan assets, and a 3.50% rate of compensation increase. The pension credit related to the Plans decreased from $6.5 million in fiscal 2002 to $6.1 million in fiscal 2003. The pension credit related to the Plans is expected to be approximately $0.2 million in fiscal 2004. The decrease in the pension credit is a result of a decrease in plan assets caused by market conditions and a sharp decrease in the amount of unrecognized gains being amortized. Holding all other assumptions constant, a one-half percent increase or decrease in the discount rate would have increased or decreased the fiscal 2003 pre-tax loss by approximately $0.6 million. Holding all other assumptions constant, a one-half percent increase or decrease in the expected return on plan assets would have increased or decreased the fiscal 2003 pre-tax loss by $1.1 million.

        The Plans' investments at January 31, 2003 were allocated approximately 65% to large capitalization stocks and 35% to large capitalization corporate bonds. Based on the long-term historical rates of return from each of these asset classes, the Company believes the 8.25% expected rate of return on plan assets assumption in fiscal 2003 is reasonable. The asset allocation and related assumed expected rate of return used in fiscal 2004 is not expected to be significantly different from fiscal 2003.

        The Company's actuaries calculate the Plans' obligations at the end of each plan year (December 31) and such measurement date valuation is used to record pension obligations in the Company's fiscal year-end financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87. At the measurement date, the estimated accumulated benefit obligation (the actuarial present value of benefits attributed to employee service and compensation levels prior to the measurement date without considering future compensation levels), commonly referred to as the "ABO", exceeded the fair value of the Plans' assets at December 31, 2002. This was due primarily to negative returns on the pension investments as a result of the decline in equity markets during 2002 and a decline in the discount rate used to estimate the pension liability because of lower U.S. interest rates. As a result, at January 31, 2003, the Company was required to record a $33.7 million minimum liability for the excess of ABO over the fair value of plan assets, a deferred asset of $2.4 million for the amount of such liability which represents prior service cost, and a charge to stockholders' equity (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) for the difference of $31.3 million. At January 31, 2002, the ABO was approximately equal to the fair value of plan assets and the Company was not required to record a minimum liability in its financial statements. Future market conditions and interest rates significantly impact future assets and liabilities of the pension plan, and similar charges or credits to stockholders' equity may be required in the future upon measurement of plan obligations at the end of each plan year.

        During fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Company made $1.2 million, $2.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of contributions to the Plans. In fiscal 2004, the Company may be required to make cash contributions from $2 million to $15 million depending on stock market conditions, the interest rate environment and other factors. Total required contributions during the five-year period ending January 31, 2008 could be from approximately $20 million to $35 million.

Effect of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

        In June 2001, FASB issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS No. 143 requires the Company to record the fair value of an asset retirement obligation as a liability in the period in which it incurs a legal obligation association with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal use of the assets. The Company is also required to record a corresponding asset that is depreciated over the life of the asset. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period of reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The Company is required to adopt SFAS No. 143 effective February 1, 2003. The Company does not expect the effect of adopting SFAS No. 143 on the Company financial statements to be material.

        In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections." SFAS No. 145 amends existing guidance on reporting gains and losses on the extinguishments of debt to prohibit the classification of the gain or loss as extraordinary, as the use of such extinguishments have become part of the risk management strategy of many companies. SFAS No. 145 also amends SFAS No. 143 to require sale-leaseback accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects similar to sale-leaseback transactions. The provisions of the Statement related to the rescission of Statement No. 4 is applied in fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions of the statement related to Statement No. 13 are effective for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002, with early application encouraged. The Company does not expect the effect of adopting SFAS No. 145 on the Company's financial statements to be material.

        Effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued SFAS No. 145, which rescinds SFAS No. 4, No. 44, and 64 and amends SFAS No. 13. The Company does not expect the effect of adopting SFAS No. 145 on the Company's financial statements to be material.

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities," effective for exit or disposal activities (commonly referred to as restructuring activities) that are initiated after December 15, 2002 and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity." The Company does not expect the effect of adopting SFAS 146 on the Company's financial statements to be material.

        In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34." This Interpretation elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. The Interpretation also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of the Interpretation are applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002 and are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after December 15, 2002.

        In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123." This Statement amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are required for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002 and are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.

        In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and interpretation of ARB No. 51." This Interpretation addresses the consolidation by business enterprises of variable interest entities as defined in the Interpretation. The Interpretation applies immediately to variable interests in variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003, and to variable interests in variable interest entities obtained after January 31, 2003. For nonpublic enterprises, such as the Company, with a variable interest in a variable interest entity created before February 1, 2003, the Interpretation is applied to the enterprise no later than the end of the first annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003. The application of this Interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. The Interpretation requires certain disclosures in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003 if it is reasonably possible that the Company will consolidate or disclose information about variable interest entities when the Interpretation becomes effective.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk

        The Company's primary market risks include changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as foreign currency exchange and interest rates. The Company enters into forward financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in foreign currency rates with major financial institutions. From time to time, the Company uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. The Company does not use financial instruments to manage fluctuations in commodity prices. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Foreign Exchange Contracts

        The Company enters into forward foreign exchange and option contracts to reduce its economic exposure to translated earnings of foreign subsidiaries (primarily the translated earnings of European operations), inter-company royalty payments from foreign subsidiaries, and certain third party royalty payments receivable in Japanese yen. The Company's European subsidiary enters into forward exchange contracts primarily to reduce its economic exposure to purchases of goods from the Far East payable in U.S. dollars and certain other contracts to reduce its economic exposure to receipts payable in various European currencies.

        Contracts entered into to reduce the Company's exposure to translated earnings of foreign subsidiaries and inter-company royalties are marked to market at the end of each month and gains or losses are included in Other Income (Expense)CNet. Gains or losses on foreign exchange contracts entered into to reduce the Company's exposure to third party royalty payments, product purchases, and receipts are included in income or loss when the contracts are closed.

        At January 31, 2003, the Company and its European subsidiary had forward foreign exchange contracts outstanding having a total contract amount of approximately $44.7 million with a weighted average maturity of 146 days. If there were a ten percent adverse change in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the outstanding forward exchange contracts, the loss in earnings from the amount included in results of operations for the year ended January 31, 2003 would be approximately $3.4 million, before the effect of income taxes. Any hypothetical loss in earnings would be offset by changes in the underlying value of translated earnings or royalty income, to the extent such earnings or income is equal to the amount of currency exposed, or for product purchases by exchange gains.

Interest Rates

        At January 31, 2003, the Company had approximately $328.9 million of fixed rate long-term debt (including current maturities.) The fair market value of long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, among other factors including credit ratings, the fair market value of fixed interest rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. The estimated fair value of the Company's total long-term debt (including current portion) at January 31, 2003 was $278.8 million, which was less than the carrying value by $50.1 million. Fair values were determined primarily from quoted market rates since almost all the fixed rate long-term debt at January 31, 2003 consists of the Company's outstanding publicly traded subordinated notes. A 1.0% decrease from prevailing interest rates at January 31, 2003, would result in an estimated increase in fair value of total fixed rate long-term debt of approximately $10.7 million.

        At January 31, 2003, the Company had an outstanding variable to fixed interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of 34.7 million euros (equivalent to U.S. $36.4 million at January 31, 2003), a fixed pay rate of 5.01% and a receive rate, based on Euribor of 3.12%. The swap agreement dated May 17, 2000 has a three-year term. The rate the Company receives reprices every three months.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

        The consolidated financial statements and supplementary financial information required by this Item and included in this Report are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule appearing on page F-1.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        None.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the 2003 Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the 2003 Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the 2003 Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the 2003 Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year covered by this Report.

ITEM 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)    Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.    

        The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"). Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them on a timely basis to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

(b)    Changes in Internal Control.    

        Since the Evaluation Date, there have not been any significant changes in the Company's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect such controls.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

        Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Luc Van Nevel and Richard H. Wiley, or either of them, his attorneys-in-fact, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any amendments to this report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2003, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact, or their substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Luc Van Nevel, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Samsonite Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant, as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report.

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

(a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

(b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

(c)

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors:

(a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

(b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls.

6.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: May 16, 2003

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Richard H. Wiley, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Samsonite Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this annual report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant, as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report.

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

(a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

(b)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

(c)

presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors:

(a)

all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

(b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls.

6.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: May 16, 2003

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Samsonite Corporation:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Samsonite Corporation and subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Samsonite Corporation and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended January 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

        As described in Note 5, Samsonite Corporation and subsidiaries adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," effective on February 1, 2002.

        The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a net capital deficiency and will default on payments due under its senior credit facility unless it is successful in extending the maturity date of the senior credit facility or completing possible recapitalization or refinancing transactions. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, as of May 15, 2003, the Company had entered into a recapitalization agreement and an amendment to its senior credit facility extending the maturity date of such facility; however, all conditions precedent to the effectiveness of these agreements had not been satisfied. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

KPMG LLP

Denver, Colorado
March 14, 2003, except for
Notes 1, 8 and 18 as to which
the date is May 15, 2003

SAMSONITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

January 31, 2003 and 2002

(In thousands)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

SAMSONITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

SAMSONITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands, except share amounts)

(1)

$.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 281,131, 281,131 and 245,285 Senior Redeemable Preferred shares issued and outstanding at January 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively; no Series Z Preferred shares issued or outstanding at January 31, 2003.

(2)

$.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 30,365,573, 30,344,413 and 30,274,713 shares issued at January 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively and 19,865,573, 19,844,413 and 19,774,713 outstanding at January 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

SAMSONITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Non-cash transactions:
    Non-cash transactions are described in Notes 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

SAMSONITE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2003 and 2002

(1)   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        (a)    General Business    

        The principal activity of Samsonite Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") is the manufacture and distribution of luggage, casual bags, business cases and travel related products throughout the world, primarily under the Samsonite® and American Tourister® brand names and other owned and licensed brand names. The principal luggage related product customers of the Company are department/specialty retail stores, mass merchants, catalog showroom and warehouse clubs. The Company also sells its luggage and other travel-related products through its Company-owned stores. In addition, the Company distributes designer clothing and footwear in Europe, Asia and the United States.

        (b)    Liquidity and Going Concern Matters    

        On June 24, 2003, amounts outstanding under the European term loan ($37.5 million at January 31, 2003) and revolving credit facility ($9.0 million at January 31, 2003) portions of the Company's senior bank credit facility become due. Unless the Company is successful in refinancing or extending the senior credit facility, it will not be able to make such required principal payments. Nonpayment of principal amounts due June 24, 2003 is a default under the senior credit facility and could result in an acceleration of all amounts due thereunder. In addition, such a default under the senior credit facility could result in any or all of the following: default under the senior subordinated notes indenture and an acceleration of amounts due thereunder, a requirement to pay penalty dividends and to grant representation on the Company's board of directors to the senior redeemable preferred stockholders, and the Company's inability to meet its other obligations as they become due.

        As described in Note 18, subsequent to January 31, 2003, the Company entered into a recapitalization agreement dated May 1, 2003 whereby, among other transactions, investors will purchase 106,000 shares of a new series of the Company's convertible preferred stock with an initial dividend rate of 8% for $106 million. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the stock to repay bank debt, to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the recapitalization and for working capital. In addition, upon closing of the recapitalization, the Company's existing senior credit facility will be replaced with a new $60 million revolving credit facility. The closing of the recapitalization is subject to numerous conditions, including the receipt of approval from the holders of a majority of each of the Company's outstanding common stock and outstanding preferred stock, governmental and other third-party approvals, a maximum net debt level, entering into the new credit facility and the absence of a material adverse change. The closing of the recapitalization is also subject to the condition that the Company and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (the "PBGC") reach an agreement satisfactory to the new investors with respect to, among other things, the Company's ability to refinance the new credit facility in the future. If the conditions described above, including the PBGC condition, are not satisfied, it is uncertain whether a recapitalization will be consummated in which case, the Company will need to consider other possible alternatives available to it.

        On April 30, 2003, the Company also entered into an amendment of the senior credit facility which will, upon satisfaction of certain conditions to effectiveness relating to the recapitalization agreement, extend the final maturity date of the European term loan facilities and revolving credit facility due June 24, 2003 to June 24, 2004. Among other things, conditions to the effectiveness of the amendment to the senior credit facility include executing the recapitalization agreement, obtaining a lender commitment letter for a new $60 million credit facility, and resolving certain issues with the PBGC in a manner satisfactory to the new investors and lenders. As of May 15, 2003, the Company has satisfied all conditions to the effectiveness of the senior credit facility extension amendment except the condition relating to the PBGC issues.

        The Company's ability to continue as a going concern depends on its ability to complete the recapitalization or obtain new sources of financing to pay its obligations as they become due or extend the maturity dates for its senior credit facility, and upon maintaining adequate liquidity and achieving sustained profitability. The Company's financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes continuity of operations and realization of assets and liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result if the Company was forced to discontinue its operations.

        (c)    Principles of Consolidation    

        The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Samsonite Corporation and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company's foreign subsidiaries generally have fiscal year ends of December 31.

        Minority interests consist of other stockholders' ownership interests in majority-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

        (d)    Use of Estimates