Company: A&K Travel Group, Crystal Cruises
Business Type: Cruise Operator
UK & International Business Sales and M&A News
A&K Travel Group has acquired the Crystal Cruises brand and two of its ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
The London-based travel company is jointly owned by CEO Geoffrey Kent, and Heritage, a holding company chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, whose family acquired control of Sitmar Cruises 35 years ago.
Co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd and Crystal Cruises Kent said:
“The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for with the extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing for our guests for the past 60 years fills me with excitement, enthusiasm and pride.”
Geoffrey Kent - CEO and Co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd and Crystal Cruises
The two luxury ships were acquired at auction with Crystal Symphony selling for $25m and Crystal Serenity for $103m. The two ships will resume service in 2023 after undergoing extensive refurbishment.
Monaco-based V. Ships Leisure will provide ship management services for the two vessels after partnering with A&K Travel Group.
Co-chairman of A&K Travel Group and Crystal Cruises d’Ovidio commented:
“I am thrilled to start this new chapter and to be back in an industry that has always had, and always will have a special place in my heart.
“Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice.”
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio - Co-chairman of A&K Travel Group and Crystal Cruises
Cristina Levis, Group CEO of A&K Travel Group and former MD of Silversea Expeditions, sees the acquisition as a time to merge the two brands successfully. She said:
“It is an immense privilege to serve these two incredible brands that, in the past decades, have disrupted the travel industry numerous times.
“Manfredi, Geoffrey and I look forward to welcoming past Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests on board, as well as those seeking rewarding luxury experiences.”
Cristina Levis – Group CEO of A&K Travel Group
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