Geoffrey J.W. Kent, Founder, Chairman and CEO of luxury travel company, Abercrombie & Kent, has formed a strategic partnership with Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Heritage group, to jointly acquire 100% of the Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies S.A. (Abercrombie & Kent). The union brings together two visionaries in luxury travel to further develop Abercrombie & Kent as the premier brand in luxury and experiential travel.
Kent is a true pioneer and visionary in the travel industry. He created the first luxury tented photographic safaris in 1962 in Kenya and has built A&K into the world’s leading luxury and adventure travel company.
Manfredi Lefebvre built Silversea Cruises, created by his father in 1994 with the purchase of two ships, Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, into the leading luxury and expedition cruise line. Recently Royal Caribbean Group acquired a 66% stake in Silversea Cruises. A&K is a separate and unique investment by Heritage group, led by Manfredi Lefebvre, and does not involve Silversea.
Since their humble beginnings, both companies have grown to become the dominant players in their respective fields, offering a discerning clientele the ultimate in luxury travel.
Kent and Lefebvre have known each other for more than 20 years and have previously been business partners, having acquired the MV Explorer in 1992.
“Abercrombie & Kent is the finest luxury travel company in the world, and I am honoured to be able to partner with Geoffrey Kent to help this remarkable company continue its record growth,” said Lefebvre, Chairman of Heritage group.
Kent added: “I am very excited to be working with Manfredi. I cannot think of a better or more experienced partner for the next phase of A&K’s growth.”
Heritage group will own 85% of Abercrombie & Kent and Geoffrey Kent 15%. Geoffrey Kent will continue to be Chairman and CEO of the operating company, while Manfredi Lefebvre will become Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent Holding.
The closing of the deal is expected to be completed later this year.
Lead image: Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Chairman of Heritage group and Geoffrey J.W. Kent, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent