The Ponant Explorations Group (PEG) has acquired a majority stake in small ship expedition company Aqua Expeditions.
This strategic move is backed by Artémis Group, the Pinault family’s investment company (which also owns luxury brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, auction house Christie’s; Pinault Collection, the world’s largest private collection of contemporary art; wine estates and much more) which Ponant says will enable Aqua Expeditions to continue expanding its footprint globally.
Aqua operates small ships in biodiversity hotspots such as the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon River. Francesco Galli Zugaro, the ceo and founder of Aqua, remains a shareholder and his senior management team will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit under the Aqua Expeditions brand. “This transaction comes at a pivotal time 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,” says Ponant.
. . . Brands Align
PEG ceo Hervé Gastinel says the move ‘aligns perfectly with [its] vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sectors.
“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,” he says. “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.”
Joining forces with another family-owned business will ensure Aqua […] maintains a heritage of luxury in our brand, says Galli Zugaro. “With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well- positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions while maintaining our core brand values.”
TN $777 Tahiti Fares
Air Tahiti Nui’s New Year’s Sale is on through to 20 Jan, offering return fares ex Auckland to Papeete priced from $777.
Moana Premium and Poerava Business fares are also available from $1577 and $2577, respectively, for travel 24 Apr-31 Jul and 21 Aug- 04 Nov.
