* Samsonite ( SMSOF ) wants to broaden investor access via US

listing

* Listing proceeds would be for operations, debt,

acquisitions

* Company reports higher fourth-quarter sales on Friday

* Samsonite ( SMSOF ) intends to complete the dual listing in 2026

(Updates March 19 item, reworks text summary points, adds

Friday details of earnings, CEO comment; paragraphs 10,11)

By Yantoultra Ngui and Sneha Kumar

SINGAPORE, March 19 (Reuters) - Samsonite ( SMSOF )

shareholders approved a set of resolutions on Thursday designed

to pave the way for a U.S. dual listing, as the Hong Kong-listed

luggage maker seeks greater exposure to U.S. investors and

improved share liquidity.

The company, whose brands include Tumi and American Tourister,

last month said it was seeking a listing that it expected to be

via American depositary shares.

Based on a market capitalisation of about $2.95 billion as of

Thursday, the approved issuance mandate of up to 138.3 million

shares, roughly 10% of issued share capital excluding Treasury

shares, implies a theoretical maximum deal size of about $300

million at prevailing market value, although Samsonite ( SMSOF ) has not

set a timetable, size or pricing for any U.S. listing.

The timing and structure of any listing had yet to be determined

and would depend on market conditions, the company said in

February.

Shares of the company have dropped about 16% year to date, LSEG

data showed.

Under proposed terms, any ADS-related share issuance would

be within previously approved dilution limits, while the price

could not be at a discount of more than 15% to the stock's close

immediately before the signing of the underwriting agreement.

Proceeds from any share sale would be used for working

capital and broader corporate needs, including operating

expenses, capital spending, debt repayment, share repurchases

and possible acquisitions.

Samsonite ( SMSOF ) first said in March 2024 that it would pursue a dual

listing after reviewing options to enhance shareholder value.

Its listing would add to momentum to U.S. capital markets, where

improving market conditions have encouraged companies such as

fast food firm Jollibee Foods and data centre operator

DayOne to pursue or prepare U.S. listings.

On Friday, Samsonite ( SMSOF ) reported an increase of 2.2% in fourth-

quarter sales and higher gross profit from a year ago, supported

by stronger direct-to-consumer and non-travel sales, though

quarterly profit attributable to shareholders fell 11.6%.

Preparations are progressing for a potential US dual listing

which Samsonite ( SMSOF ) intends to complete in 2026, as business

continues to improve, Chief Executive Kyle Gendreau said in an

earnings statement.