Heritage Group, managed by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, former owner and executive chairman of Silversea Cruises, has confirmed it has made two fully-funded offers to acquire Crystal Cruises.
Manfredi Lefebvre told Seatrade Cruise News, ‘”The combination with Abercrombie and Kent could generate synergies that would facilitate the recovery and partially compensate for the deterioration of the brand exacerbated in the last few weeks”.
Seatrade Cruise News also reported that Heritage said in a statement to Seatrade Cruise News that one offer was made in the first quarter of 2021 and one after the announcement of the liquidation,
Lefebvre added, “We are a very credible buyer with roots in the cruise industry that stretch back in the late ’80s”, and “We are firmly convinced that with our knowledge and know-how of the ultra-luxury segment we could transform Crystal into a success story”.
He also said, “The combination with Abercrombie & Kent could generate synergies that would facilitate the recovery and partially compensate for the deterioration of the brand exacerbated in the last few weeks,’
Cristina Levis, chief investment officer of Heritage and former managing director of Silversea Expeditions said, “My love and passion for the Crystal brand and product goes back to the time when I was at the helm of Silversea Expeditions”, adding, “I was telling my team to look to Crystal as an example of a great brand like Silversea, to try and emulate and compete against”.
Levis continued, “Crystal’s ships have a soul which I sincerely hope won’t be left to die”, adding, “Restoring the trade’s and passengers’ trust won’t be easy but if we are given the chance we will go the extra mile not to disappoint them.”
The report adds that Heritage is assisted by David Ereira and Matthew Poxon, partners at Paul Hastings.
Edited by John Alwyn-Jones, Cruise Editor
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