Capvis, the leading private equity firm in Switzerland, has agreed on the purchase of a majority stake in the nicko tours group. 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 tour group achieved a turnover of €115m with around 80,000 passengers in 2012. The company employs around 70 people. The purchase is subject to approval by antitrust authorities.
