A significant development in the river cruising industry sees a US private equity firm acquiring a major stake in AmaWaterways.
- AmaWaterways, a renowned river cruise line, partners with L Catterton to explore new growth avenues and enhance customer experiences.
- L Catterton’s entry marks a new chapter for AmaWaterways, promising innovation and luxury in the cruising sphere.
- The current management, including founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, will continue their stewardship alongside the new partners.
- This strategic investment is expected to leverage global expertise to fuel AmaWaterways’ expansion and maintain its pioneering spirit.
In a notable move in the river cruising sector, a US-based private equity firm, L Catterton, has acquired a substantial stake in AmaWaterways, a leading river cruise line. This acquisition is significant for the industry as L Catterton takes over from a consortium of investors led by the global investment firm Certares.
The partnership with L Catterton promises to propel AmaWaterways towards continued growth. The founders of AmaWaterways, including Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, alongside the Murphy family, have expressed their commitment to steering the company forward, focusing on long-term growth and innovation. Schreiner described this collaboration as an ‘exciting new chapter,’ highlighting L Catterton’s insights into consumer preferences and their shared enthusiasm for driving growth opportunities within the business.
L Catterton, through its flagship fund co-managing partner Marc Magliacano, explained the firm’s strategy to enhance AmaWaterways’ offerings. With a growing consumer desire for luxury travel experiences, the firm aims to facilitate unforgettable, curated experiences for its guests. The partnership is seen as an opportunity to utilise L Catterton’s global network and travel expertise to identify new growth prospects and expansion initiatives, while nurturing the innovative spirit that has characterised AmaWaterways’ operations over the past two decades.
Partner Jennifer Reid echoed these sentiments, praising the continuous delivery of high-quality services by AmaWaterways, including ship innovations, exceptional dining options, wellness offerings, and exciting excursions. She acknowledged founders Rudi and Kristin as ‘true visionaries’, reinforcing the company’s commitment to setting industry standards in personalised customer service and innovation.
Certares, the outgoing lead investor, reflected on its collaboration with AmaWaterways. Colin Farmer, senior managing director, praised the company’s fleet expansion and entry into new cruise destinations, and applauded the grooming of relationships with travel advisors and enhancing the guest experience. Farmer concluded with wishes for continued success as AmaWaterways embarks on this new phase of development.
This strategic partnership with L Catterton is poised to bolster AmaWaterways’ growth, enhancing its leadership in the river cruising industry.
