APT has divested its long-term stake in AmaWaterways, with a new investor, L Catterton, announcing it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a significant share in the United States-based cruise line.
The Australian tour operator’s co-owner and Director Lou Tandy confirmed to travelBulletin the 20-year partnership between it and AmaWaterways is coming to an end.
AmaWaterways will officially continue its partnership with the APT through to the end of the year, beyond which the two firms will go their separate ways.
L Catterton will now partner with AmaWaterways founders Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst, and the Murphy family, who will maintain “meaningful ownership” in the cruise line.
“This has been an enormously successful partnership for 20 years, we’ve had a highly successful partnership in terms of shared ownership and the charter arrangement…the transaction that has taken place is a fantastic result for AmaWaterways,” Tandy told tB.
“We are really proud and delighted to have been part of the success story of AmaWaterways.
“I think this transaction has been a win-win for everyone… overall, we’ve got the utmost respect for Rudi, Kristin, and the business they have built.”
AmaWaterways recently opened an office in Australia, and has been booking its own local guests for next year.
“This is an exciting new chapter for AmaWaterways,” Schreiner said.
“L Catterton brings unique insight into today’s global consumer, as well as a deep understanding of our industry and exciting ideas on how we can work together to capitalize on a number of growth opportunities across our business.”
Meanwhile, APT will launch its own two five-star river ships in 2025, APT Solara and APT Ostara, which have been designed “specifically with the sophisticated Australian traveller in mind”.
