Clearwater International advises ICG on its partnership investment in Direct Ferries

Clearwater International has advised financing partner ICG, on its investment in Livingbridge-backed Direct Ferries, the world’s leading ferry aggregator, to support its global growth strategy. Direct Ferries existing shareholders Livingbridge, the founding Davies family and management have also reinvested into the business.

Direct Ferries is the world’s largest ferry ticketing business, selling over 1.4m tickets from 4,000 routes in 200 end markets across the globe. The company aggregates ferry routes, times and prices from more than 250 ferry operators and allows customers to find the right sailing, anywhere in the world.

Alongside providing M&A advice, Clearwater’s Debt Advisory team also supported ICG to secure a funding package to support Direct Ferries wider strategy for continued international growth across its primary consumer business and fast-growing B2B and Freight channels.

on its investment in

a portfolio company of

Buy-side

Undisclosed
Clearwater Berater
Adviser to ICG on its partnership investment in Direct Ferries
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We are impressed by the growth journey of Direct Ferries in recent years and are delighted to be its new partner alongside the existing shareholders. We see further growth in its core international consumer markets but also in its fast-growing B2B and Freight channels. It was a pleasure working with the Clearwater International team. Their combination of deep travel expertise and deal acumen was crucial to delivering a successful transaction. We look forward to working closely with Niall and the talented management team to fulfil its significant potential.

Mark Piasecki, Managing Director, ICG

I’m delighted to welcome ICG as a new partner on the Direct Ferries journey. The business has grown rapidly over the past three years and we look forward to working with and leveraging the experience of a partner that supports our ambitious growth strategy and the management team, to take the business to the next level.

Niall Walsh, CEO, Direct Ferries

We are thrilled to have advised ICG on this transaction. Direct Ferries is a global leader in its field and, given its growth strategy, I have little doubt that the business will go from strength to strength. It has been a pleasure working with Mark and the ICG team to successfully deliver a complex transaction, particularly in the current market environment. We’d like to wish ICG, Livingbridge and Direct Ferries all the best as they continue their journey together.

Christopher Jones, Managing Partner, Clearwater International

It was great to work with ICG and Direct Ferries to find a funding package which aligns with the business’ growth plans. This is a great example of Clearwater’s M&A and Debt Advisory functions working together to secure a fantastic result for the client, providing them with a comprehensive service that meets their goals. The funding facilities supports the business’ international capabilities and extend their reach to wider markets. We are delighted to have been involved and long forward to seeing more success from such a great business.

Richard Clark, Partner, Clearwater International