Their objective

Moleskine used to work with distributors to sell its products in Asia. As the business evolved, Moleskine HQ decided to open its own companies in Asia in order to gain stronger control of its brand and to understand its customers better.

As compliance and operational requirements vary significantly across Asia, Moleskine needed a corporate services provider that understood these different market dynamics, and who could provide much needed local knowledge and administrative support. 

Our solution

Hawksford assisted Moleskine with the opening of five companies across Mainland of China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and Japan. Our local teams were able to provide regional expertise and on-the-ground support, including incorporating the separate entities, providing a local director and opening a local bank account.

Since the entities were established, Hawksford has continued to provide accounting, company secretarial and HR services to the five companies – supporting nearly 20 stores across the region. Moleskine China, including Hong Kong also required additional CFO support, due to significant turnover from B2B, retail and eCommerce, which Hawksford was able to provide.

Moleskine now employs around 100 people in Asia.

By externalising its financial department, Moleskine gained flexibility, saved on internal headcount and avoided staff turnover which is a common challenge in Asia. 

Services provided:

• Entity formation and administration
• Account opening and cash management
• Director services
• Company secretarial
• Compliance
• Tax
• Transaction management
• Accounting
• HR and payroll