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Investor group takes stake in AmaWaterways

(Photo: Anne Kalosh)
Co-owners Kristin Karst (second left), Gary Murphy (second right) and Rudi Schreiner (far right) at the naming of one of their AmaWaterways vessels, AmaSonata
AmaWaterways said it has closed on an investment from travel and hospitality investor group Certares. Certares joins the Schreiner/Karst, Murphy and McGeary families as the company’s fourth investor.

AmaWaterways said all remain committed to supporting the company's long-term growth and innovation in the river cruising industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Last week AmaWaterways, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2017, christened its newest ship, AmaKristina, and debuted its design and construction plans for a double-width Danube ship, AmaMagna, expected to launch in 2019.

Certares, whose other investments include American Express Global Business Travel and Travel Leaders Group, is an investment company focused on the travel and hospitality sectors. Certares holds and oversees each of its portfolio companies separately.

'We are partnering with an exceptional team who have an incredible track record of customer service and product innovation,' said Colin Farmer, managing partner, Certares.