case study
Luxury river cruise – Brand acquisition advisory

Project type: M&A advisory

Segment: Luxury river cruise – Brand acquisition

Market context: Pandemic / distressed cycle

Client profile: Private equity investor (U.S. based)

During the pandemic period, bancosta cruise supported a private equity investor in identifying and advancing a brand acquisition opportunity in the luxury river cruise segment, leading to a signed letter of intent with an international seller.

the challenge

The advisory assignment required:

Identifying credible acquisition targets in a distressed market environment
Assessing asset quality, brand positioning, and recovery potential
Facilitating discussions between buyer and an international seller
Structuring a transaction framework suitable for volatile conditions

Speed, discretion, and sector expertise were essential.

our role

bancosta cruise acted as independent M&A advisor and originator, providing:

Market mapping and screening of luxury river cruise opportunities
Introductions and facilitation of buyer–seller discussions
Support in structuring the commercial logic of the transaction
Assistance through the letter of intent phase, aligning expectations

The focus was on access, structure, and risk clarity.

Discuss strategic m&a advisory in the cruise sector

outcome
and
key take aways

THE OUTCOME

The advisory process resulted in:

A clearly defined acquisition target
Advanced negotiations and a signed letter of intent
A transaction framework ready for execution

The transaction was ultimately not completed due to external insolvency events affecting the seller, outside the control of the parties.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Even without closing, this case demonstrates bancosta cruise’s ability to:

Originate proprietary opportunities
Operate credibly in distressed and complex market cycles
Support investors with sector-specific insight and disciplined structuring

This project benefited from the global network and long-standing relationships built by bancosta cruise across the cruise sector

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

bancosta cruise supports investors and strategic buyers with:

M&A origination and market intelligence
Cruise sector advisory and structuring
Support through early and advanced transaction phases

check our strategic cruise advisory services

about bancosta cruise

bancosta cruise supports operators and investors with strategic cruise advisory, including brand and asset acquisitions, long-term charters, and fleet expansion programs.
We combine direct industry experience with the global maritime expertise of the Banchero Costa network, active since 1968.