H.I.G. WhiteHorse Financing for Viabus
In a significant development for the travel sector,
H.I.G. WhiteHorse, a credit affiliate of
H.I.G. Capital, has announced the provision of senior secured financing to support
Armira’s acquisition of
Viabus B.V. This investment comes as Viabus, a prominent operator specializing in affordable guided bus tours for seniors, aims to bolster its market presence.
Based in the Netherlands, Viabus has carved out a niche in senior travel, offering a variety of organized bus tours. The company stands out as the largest provider of senior travel in its market segment. This merger could enable Viabus to expand and enhance its offerings, making travel more accessible for older adults in the region.
Pascal Meysson, head of H.I.G. WhiteHorse in Europe, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, "Viabus is a market leader in guided bus travel, benefiting from a strong brand presence, a resilient and loyal customer base, and an appealing asset-light business model. We are thrilled to support Armira in this acquisition and look forward to the growth opportunities it presents."
Overview of Viabus
Viabus is recognized as a leader in the sector of guided travel for young seniors and older adults in the Netherlands. The company not only offers bus travel, but also flights and cruises of varying durations, both domestically and internationally. Viabus’s reputation is enhanced through its well-known brands such as
Bolderman,
Effeweg,
Destimundo,
Diogenes Groups Incentive Travel, and
Van Nood Reizen. Viabus's commitment to providing excellent service to its loyal customers has positioned it favorably within the industry.
For more insights about their offerings and services, interested parties can visit
viabusgroup.com.
Armira's Role
Armira focuses on collaborating with entrepreneur-led family businesses, aiding their strategic long-term development with an emphasis on sustainable growth and value creation. With assets exceeding $5.8 billion, Armira plays a crucial role in making investments throughout the lifecycle of a company, from minority growth investments to majority stakes. The firm has successfully completed over 30 platform investments and has established a network of over 100 sector advisors who actively support portfolio companies.
Further information about Armira can be accessed at
armira.de.
About H.I.G. Capital
H.I.G. Capital is a leading global alternative investment firm with approximately $74 billion in assets under management. Based in Miami, it has established a worldwide presence with offices in cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford, as well as international offices in cities like Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Dubai, and Hong Kong.
H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle-market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused approach. Since its inception in 1993, the firm has invested in over 400 companies worldwide and currently boasts a portfolio of more than 100 companies with a combined revenue exceeding $53 billion. More information about H.I.G. can be found at
hig.com.
In conclusion, the financing of Viabus by H.I.G. WhiteHorse not only highlights the growing demand for affordable travel options for seniors but also showcases the potential for expansion and innovation within the travel industry. This move is expected to significantly enhance services and offerings for older travelers, setting the stage for more accessible adventures across Europe and beyond.