condor ferry

Brittany Ferries is set to assume majority ownership of Condor Ferries following recent adjustments in the company’s ownership structure.

Condor Ferries, which operates passenger and freight services between the UK (Poole, Portsmouth), the Channel Islands, and St. Malo in France, was initially acquired in November 2019 by a consortium comprising Brittany Ferries and the London-based Columbia Threadneedle European Sustainable Infrastructure Fund. 

Subject to approval by the regulatory authorities in Jersey and Guernsey, the French ferry operator will assume majority ownership and operational control of the Channel Islands-based company in the next few weeks.

Once approved, Brittany Ferries will own 51 per cent of Condor Ferries, with Columbia Threadneedle retaining a minority shareholding.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, says: “We are pleased to confirm our intention to become the majority owner of Condor Ferries over the next few weeks, pending approval from the Islands’ regulatory authorities.”

“Brittany Ferries has the experience, expertise, and scale, along with extensive knowledge of the transport sector and customer service, to implement best practices, which will ultimately result in better service for Condor’s passengers.

“This change demonstrates our commitment to the Islands, shows Brittany Ferries is adding strength and depth to the existing team and delivers continuity and resilience in the long term.”

In January 2024, the Government of Jersey and the State of Guernsey confirmed a procurement process for a new long-term operating agreement. Brittany Ferries is actively leading this bid.

Mathieu adds: “We believe we operate exactly the right fleet for the Islands: a mix of conventional freight and passenger ferries for lifeline freight and travel for Islanders, alongside the high-speed vessels that are essential for supporting the visitor economies of Jersey and Guernsey.”

Justin Amey, head of sales and marketing at Condor Ferries, comments: “With the rise in demand for domestic and flight-free travel, we want to assure our customers that the new ownership structure will not impact our service.

“We look forward to working with new stakeholders and partners to continue in our mission of providing exceptional travel to our customers in 2024 and beyond.”

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