Ponant has introduced the acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, a expedition firm it stated was recognized for its river and ocean cruises in South America, Southeast Asia and past.
This strategic acquisition by Ponant, backed by Artémis Group, the Pinault household’s funding firm—which owns trend homes by Kering together with Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and famed public sale home Christie’s; Pinault Assortment, the world’s largest non-public assortment of up to date artwork; Artémis Domaines, encompassing a set of essentially the most unique wine estates, together with Château Latour; and Inventive Artists Company (CAA), the world’s main leisure and sports activities company—will empower Aqua Expeditions to proceed increasing its footprint globally and enabling the corporate’s development as a vacation spot specialist.
Aqua Expeditions presently operates small ships in biodiversity hotspots such because the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon River.
Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and Founder will stay as a shareholder and alongside along with his senior administration workforce, will proceed to guide the corporate as a stand-alone enterprise unit, persevering with to function below the model identify Aqua Expeditions.
This transaction comes at a pivotal time as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries, exploring the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a selected give attention to the Aldabra group of islands.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant household,” stated Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group.
“This partnership aligns completely with our imaginative and prescient of excellence and sustainability within the luxurious sector. It displays our dedication to providing unparalleled journey experiences in iconic locations such because the Galápagos and now additionally river journeys, whereas preserving the pure great thing about the locations we discover. We’re deeply impressed with the distinctive firm that Francesco has constructed over the previous 18 years and the distinctive model he has developed within the experiential journey area.”
“Becoming a member of forces with Ponant Explorations Group and having the assist of the Artémis Group is a exceptional alternative for Aqua Expeditions,” stated Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions. “Partnering with one other family-owned enterprise ensures we keep a heritage of luxurious in our model. With the monetary assist and experience from our companions, we’re well-positioned to proceed our development and provide our company unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally wealthy areas whereas sustaining our core model values.”
