FRENCH luxury cruise company Compagnie
du Ponant is set to be sold to a European
private equity firm, Bridgepoint.
The sale, between Ponant’s parent company
CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container
shipping company, and Bridgepoint will take
until the end of August to finalise.
“The agreement will offer La Compagnie du
Ponant the resources it needs to fulfil its
ambitions, maintain its growth momentum
and take its international expansion to a new
level,” a statement from CMA CGM said.
According to CMA CGM, Bridgepoint focusses
on the acquisition of companies valued up to
€1 billion.
Compagnie du Ponant was founded in 1988
and operates four luxury ships ranging in size
from 32 to 132 cabins.
Last year the company hosted 20,000
passengers and had a turnover of €80 million.
