Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. buys a private luxury cruise company of the class Silversea Cruises. This was reported by its main owner Manfredi Lefevre d’Ovidio. Under the agreement, the holding will acquire 66.7% of Silversea shares. The transaction amount is approximately $ 1 billion. Royal Caribbean plans to finance the purchase through borrowed funds, the company said.

In addition, Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio will be able to claim dividends from 472,000 shares of the holding, which will be paid upon reaching certain indicators in 2019-2020

“Silversea is a pearl and a recognized leader in the segment of luxury and expedition cruises – two key markets that are currently on the growth stage.” The combination of the two companies represents a unique opportunity for better rest for our regular guests and opens up good prospects for our strategic success, and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Richard D. Fain.

“We will always be happy to welcome Manfredi Lefevre, the far-sighted leader of Silversea, whose high standards and history of innovation we deeply respect.” Manfredi will remain the executive chairman of the company, continuing to pursue his strategy in the long term. ”

“This partnership will contribute to the growth of the Silversea brand, founded by my father.We have always been soul mates with Richard and share a vision of excellence for our guests.This new partnership enables Silversea to grow as the most successful among luxury and cruise the world, “said Mr. Lefebvre in response.

Lefèvre and Fein also confirmed that the CEO of Silversea Cruises, Roberto Martini, will continue to work in its role with the existing management team.

According to experts, the acquisition of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. a luxury cruise company is quite logical, because in contrast to the competition – Carnival Corporation & plc and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd – the holding company until recently was not in the portfolio of a similar brand. That limited the possibilities for luxury rest for regular guests of Royal Caribbean, having such a financial opportunity.