Ponant has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Aqua Expeditions, a expedition company it said was known for its river and ocean cruises in South America, Southeast Asia and beyond.

This strategic acquisition by Ponant, backed by Artémis Group, the Pinault family’s investment company—which owns fashion houses through Kering including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and famed auction house Christie’s; Pinault Collection, the world’s largest private collection of contemporary art; Artémis Domaines, encompassing a collection of the most exclusive wine estates, including Château Latour; and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency—will empower Aqua Expeditions to continue expanding its footprint globally and enabling the company’s growth as a destination specialist.

Aqua Expeditions currently operates small ships in biodiversity hotspots such as the Galápagos, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Spice Islands, the Mekong River, and the Peruvian Amazon River.

Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO and Founder will remain as a shareholder and along with his senior management team, will continue to lead the company as a stand-alone business unit, continuing to operate under the brand name Aqua Expeditions.

This transaction comes at a pivotal time as Aqua Expeditions ramps up the launch of its East Africa itineraries, exploring the Seychelles and Tanzania, with a particular focus on the Aldabra group of islands.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aqua Expeditions into the Ponant family,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of excellence and sustainability in the luxury sector. It reflects our commitment to offering unparalleled travel experiences in iconic destinations such as the Galápagos and now also river journeys, while preserving the natural beauty of the places we explore. We are deeply impressed with the exceptional company that Francesco has built over the past 18 years and the unique brand he has developed in the experiential travel space.”

“Joining forces with Ponant Explorations Group and having the support of the Artémis Group is a remarkable opportunity for Aqua Expeditions,” said Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO of Aqua Expeditions. “Partnering with another family-owned business ensures we maintain a heritage of luxury in our brand. With the financial support and expertise from our partners, we are well-positioned to continue our growth and offer our guests unforgettable journeys to the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions while maintaining our core brand values.”