Bolster Investment Partners acquired a minority stake of 25% in the market-leading specialist in expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, Oceanwide Expeditions.
Bolster is expected to support Oceanwide Expeditions in realizing the brand's growth ambitions.
Oceanwide Expeditions was established in 1993 by father and son, Wijnand and Michel van Gessel and since then, the company has developed into a travel specialist for small-scale expedition voyages to the polar regions.
Oceanwide Expeditions owns 4 ships, and a 5th ship is due to be operational in September 2021.
Offering versatile outdoor activities and thematic trips in combination with a focus on sustainability and preservation, the cruise line has 5 times won the award for World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator. In addition to offering sailings for nature lovers and education, its vessels are also used for scientific research.
The participation of Bolster originates from the wish of Oceanwide to broaden its shareholder base, increase financial strength, as well as accelerate growth.