Ponant announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions.
"We are thrilled to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family," said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group.
The company operates small ships in various locations, including the Galápagos and the Amazon. Francesco Galli Zugaro, the CEO and Founder, will remain a shareholder and continue to lead Aqua Expeditions as an independent unit, continuing to operate under the brand name "Aqua Expeditions."
"This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector. It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore. We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space."
This transaction comes as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries, exploring the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Aldabra group of islands.
