PR96645

MONACO, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

A&K Travel Group Ltd., the pioneering travel company owned by Geoffrey Kent

and Heritage (the industrial holding company chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre

d'Ovidio), has acquired the luxury cruise vessels Crystal Serenity and Crystal

Symphony.

The two ships will resume service in 2023 after undergoing extensive

refurbishment and will operate under the award-winning "Crystal Cruises" brand

that has also been acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd.

"I am thrilled to start this new chapter and to be back in an industry that has

always had, and always will have a special place in my heart. Thirty-five years

ago, my family acquired control of Sitmar Cruises, building three of the first

purpose-built cruise ships, and 30 years ago my family pioneered a new way of

cruising. Our goal was to deliver the best experience, pampering guests from

all over the world with around-the-clock butler service and extraordinary

culinary experiences. Selling the cruise business that belonged to my family

for a quarter of a century was a difficult decision, as I knew I would miss

this industry immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire

Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice. Having next to me my

incredible friend and inspiring leader Geoffrey Kent makes this venture even

more enjoyable," said Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel

Group Ltd., Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.

"Even though it seems like yesterday, 30 years have passed since the Lefebvre

family and I had our first ship together...Manfredi and I have been best

friends and business associates ever since. The idea of combining the

unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for, with the

extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully

providing for our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement,

enthusiasm and pride," added Geoffrey Kent, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group

Ltd. and Crystal Cruises, and Founder, Co-Chairman and CEO of Abercrombie &

Kent.

Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent will report to Cristina Levis, CEO of

A&K Travel Group Ltd., who commented: "My return to luxury cruising after five

years brings back so many emotions. It is an immense privilege to serve these

two incredible brands that in the past decades have disrupted the travel

industry numerous times. Manfredi, Geoffrey and I look forward to welcoming

past Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests onboard, as well as those seeking

rewarding luxury experiences."

"The acquisition of Crystal has been extremely challenging but the satisfaction

of having this jewel in our family is the best payoff for all the hard work and

efforts of the A&K team. Ad maiora Crystal Cruises!"

A&K Travel Group Ltd. has partnered with V.Ships Leisure, the world's leading

cruise ship manager, based in Monaco. With their unique experience, global

scale and passionate team, V.Ships Leisure was the natural choice.

Global law firm Paul Hastings LLP acted for A&K Travel Group Ltd., led by

London M&A partner Matthew Poxon, working with London Finance partners David

Ereira and Peter Hayes, and New York Finance partner John Storz. Associates

Elizabeth Athanassios, Dante Adams, Rohin Gosh Dastidar and Cole Harlan were

also part of the legal team.  Callenders Law acted for A&K Travel Group Ltd. in

respect of Bahamian law, while HFW and Stephenson Harwood LLP provided maritime

law expertise.

CMC Capital, Limited advised A&K Travel Group Ltd. in the acquisition.

SOURCE: A&K Travel Group Ltd.

CONTACT: Pamela Lassers, +1 630-725-3400 x420, plassers@abercrombiekent.com