Paris, 10 October 2023. Montefiore Investment, the reference fund for SMEs and Mid-Cap services companies, today announced an investment in Catlante Catamarans, the leading provider of top-of-the-range cabin cruises to destinations such as Corsica, the Grenadines and the Seychelles. Founded in 2003 by Jean-Pascal Siméon and Frédéric Talvard, the company now has a fleet of 16 boats and sales of almost €15m.
The investment by Montefiore Investment, through the Fonds Nov Tourisme Relance Durable, and by Bpifrance, through its France Investissement Tourisme 3 (FIT3) fund, will enable Catlante Catamarans to enter a new phase of acceleration and a change of management. Hervé Bellaiche, former Deputy Managing Director of the PONANT cruise line, will succeed Jean-Pascal Siméon as Chairman from 10 October. Frédéric Talvard has been appointed Chief Operating Officer.
With its longstanding expertise in the tourism industry, Montefiore will support the new management team in strengthening its leadership position, enhancing its reputation for excellence and giving new impetus to its expansion with an environmental and social conscience.
Hervé Bellaïche expressed his satisfaction: “The current team, under the enlightened leadership of Jean-Pascal Siméon and Fred Talvard, has done an exceptional job in putting customer satisfaction at the heart of the company. This unique cruising model aboard eco-responsible catamarans is showing promising potential. With the support of the Montefiore Investment funds and the BPI, we are determined to further accelerate our growth trajectory“.
Jean-Pascal Siméon, founder of Catlante Catamarans, shares his enthusiasm: “I’m pleased with what has been achieved over the past two decades and to pass the torch to Hervé Bellaïche, who has the right profile, experience and vision to take Catlante Catamarans to new heights. I am confident that the company is in good hands to continue to prosper.“
Julien Meir, Director at Montefiore Investment: “We are convinced of Catlante’s very strong potential for organic growth at a time when the challenges of decarbonisation are omnipresent and more responsible tourism is in great demand. Alongside Hervé Bellaïche, we aim to increase the fleet of sailing boats, which have a very low carbon impact, and to expand in Belgium and Switzerland.“
Flavien Tiberghien, Investment Director at Bpifrance Investissements: “We are very proud to be supporting Catlante, a pioneer in the travel and water sports sector, as it moves towards greener, more authentic tourism.“
About Montefiore Investment
Created in 2005, Montefiore Investment is the reference Private Equity firm dedicated to service SMEs and mid-market companies. With a team of 50 employees, and relying on its sector expertise and know-how, the company successfully supports companies in their growth and development projects. Montefiore Investment has demonstrated its ability to transform SMEs and midcap companies into true European champions. Its performance has enabled it to establish itself as a key player in mid-market private equity. Based in Paris and Milan, Montefiore Investment currently manages over €4 billion of equity and invests ticket sizes ranging from €20 million to €200 million in order to finance sustainable and profitable growth for its portfolio companies. Since 2021, Montefiore has also been a shareholder and strategic partner of Starquest, a management company dedicated to investments in innovative companies with a strong environmental impact (GreenTech).
About Catlante Catamarans
Founded in 2003, Catlante Catamarans has become the French benchmark for top-of-the-range crewed catamaran cruises. The company offers unforgettable voyages aboard refined catamarans, all over the world, with a deep commitment to environmental and social concerns. The ships, wholly owned by the Company, are custom-designed and built to meet the specific requirements of this type of cruise, in particular the Catlante 600, Catlante 620 and Catlante 720 models. Each of these cruises is accompanied by a crew of experienced Captains and chefs, who have made the company’s reputation.
Find out more: catlante-catamarans.com
CONTACT
Laurène Pulliat
Head of communication
lp@catlante.com
06 10 24 07 00
