Capvis, the leading private equity firm in Switzerland, has agreed on the purchase of a majority stake in the nicko tours group with headquarters in Switzerland. The founder and owner of the river cruise specialist, Ekkehard Beller, will retain a significant stake in the company and will continue his involvement as a member of the board of directors. With Capvis as catalyst and by bringing his companies under one umbrella, Mr. Beller looks to provide the company with a new platform for future growth. Wiebke Harms, director of sales & marketing, will succeed Mr. Beller as managing director.
The nicko tours group achieved a turnover of EUR 115 million with around 80,000 passengers in 2012. The company employs around 70 people. The purchase is subject to approval by antitrust authorities.
European market leader for river cruises
nicko tours is the leading specialist for river cruises in German-speaking Europe. Through its 33 ships it operates the largest fleet and provides the broadest product offering in Europe. While the company has historically been known as a specialist for river cruises in Russia and the Ukraine, it has under the leadership of Mr. Beller continuously expanded its product offering to include over 40 routes in Europe, Asia and Africa. The company covers the entire value chain from developing and marketing tours to ship operations. The company's success is underpinned by the two mega-trends demography and leisure.
Shared growth aspirations
Ulrich Eckhardt, partner at Capvis Equity Partners AG, about the investment, "nicko tours is an excellent addition to the Capvis portfolio as the transaction fits the sweet spot as a local champion sold in the context of a succession solution. We are extremely proud to be able to support the continued growth trajectory of this unique company as partners." nicko tour?s annual passenger growth of more than 30% over the past ten years is a clear indication that comfortable river cruises with high culinary and cultural standards are increasing in popularity.
Ekkehard Beller is delighted about the involvement of Capvis, "I have found Capvis to be a private equity firm with Swiss virtues such as professionalism and cooperation focused on sustainable growth strategies." Continuity is ensured as Ms. Harms, director of sales & marketing, will succeed Mr. Beller as managing director. She has been with nicko tours for ten years and has more than thirty years of industry experience. Mr. Beller will continue his involvement as a member of the board of directors of nicko tours AG.
