Wenger SA has established a partnership with St. Louis, MO-based TRG Group wherein the company will design, produce, market and sell Wenger products in the United States and select key international markets beginning Jan. 1, 2012.
Under the terms of the agreement, TRG Group will develop business gear and accessories including backpacks, laptop cases, media bags, planners and portfolios, as well as select outdoor and sporting gear including hunting and fishing bags. The rights had been held by Avenues in Leather, a New Jersey company that is among the largest providers of personal business accessories and digital device cases in the United States.
TRG Group will focus primarily on serving the office products, electronics and warehouse club channels as well as B2B markets, TRG Group Executive Vice President & General Manager Jason Morris told Outdoor Business Update. The company already holds the rights to make similar products under the Victorinox brand. Both the Victorinox and Wenger brands are owned by Victorinox of Switzerland.
Group III of Pompano Beach, FL retains the rights to make Wenger branded camping gear, including backpacks, sleeping bags and tents sold at outdoor sporting goods stores.
“We are very proud to be working with TRG Group,” said Peter Hug, Wenger C.E.O. “They have established themselves as a global leader in the travel goods industry. As a company, they understand the importance of brand integrity, functionality and quality values that directly align with the Wenger philosophy. TRG’s industry knowledge and experience make them an ideal partner and we are confident that it will be a seamless transition.”
