Callista Private Equity, the Munich based private equity company, says it has acquired controlling interest in MS Deutschland Holding and hence in MS “Deutschland” Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, to which both Reederei Peter Deilmann and the 22,496 gross ton cruise liner Deutschland belong.

"The parties have agreed not to reveal the purchase price. The transaction was preceded by a due diligence process and lengthy discussions between the parties lasting several weeks," Callista said in a statement.

"The acquisition of a majority interest by Callista Private Equity is intended to continue the restructuring successfully initiated by AURELIUS in 2010. Following initial success, Callista Private Equity aims to press ahead with the strategy that has been applied by implementing further measures on both the operational and strategic sides. Callista Private Equity is also planning to inject more capital into the company by reinforcing the equity component with a view to permanently underpinning the growth course that has been set."