The former chief executive of Cruise & Maritime Voyages has bought some of the Essex-based line’s assets, the administrators confirmed today.
Christian Verhounig, the head of CVI Group, has acquired customer databases, booking systems and intellectual property, as well as cars and office furniture.
Joint administrator Paul Williams said he believes the sale ‘provides an opportunity for CVI, through its owner Christian Verhounig, to continue to pursue funding opportunities to potentially relaunch CMV’s unique cruise operations to its dedicated customers.’
Mr Verhounig said: ‘The global pandemic had a devastating impact on CMV’s once flourishing, expanding and profitable business. Having developed a much-loved brand over the past decade and hugely popular, value-based, niche no-fly cruise product, we have been simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and pleased to re-launch the business.
‘This endorsement across the industry and customer base alike has been a rich source of encouragement and, together with my previous management team, we are working hard to plug the huge market gap vacated by CMV’s untimely insolvency.’
He added: ‘The acquisition of the UK commercial assets provides a positive first step and we believe demonstrates our firm commitment and optimism to return much stronger and to work alongside our loyal suppliers and creditors to also help mitigate the pandemic impact.’
The six ships which the company operated – most of them now moored at the home port of Tilbury – belong to banks and other companies. Last week it was announced that the last of the crews were on their way home, leaving only a small number of workers to keep the fleet operational.
The cancellation of previous advanced customer bookings remains unaffected by the sale. Further details on how affected customers can make a claim can be found on Cruise & Maritime Voyages and TransOcean Kreuzfahrten websites.
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