Leading port operator, Global Ports Holding, acquires stake in German online travel agency Dreamlines - IEG as financial advisor

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The Background Cruises are becoming increasingly popular - in 2018 the global market will reach more than27 million people, who will spend their holidays on a cruise ship. Today it is favorited by all nations and no longer only by American, but also by Chinese, German and British tourists. The development in the cruise travel industry also shows a changed picture so that some prejudices have to be dispelled. The target group is getting younger and focus is not limited on trips to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Even the Nordic regions as the Baltic Sea states or the fjords of Scandinavia are now on the top list. The passenger today needs real support on transparency of the various offers and a full package solution from his home to the harbor and back again, which is still complex.

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The Deal Dreamlines receives a EUR 13m Convertible Loan from Global Ports Holding. This can then be converted into a participation within one year. IEG - Investment Banking Group acted as Financial Advisor to Global Ports Holding.

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The Partner Dreamlines is a German cruise portal with a global footprint offering tailored cruise vactions. The company was founded in Hamburg in 2012 by Felix Schneider and Nils Regge. Dreamlines operates globally in 11 markets worldwide, among others in France, Brazil, Russia and Italy. Through the partnership with over 100 shipping companies, Dreamlines offers over 30,000 cruises. Global Ports Holding is the world's largest cruise operator with an established presence in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Asia Pacific. GPH was founded in 2004 and operates 16 ports in 8 countries and continues to grow. GPH provides services for 7.3 million passengers and has a market share of 23% in the Mediterranean region.

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The Perspective The focus is on the international growth of Dreamlines. Both companies are very positive about the partnership and can benefit from their respective strengths. According to the press, Global Ports Holding will be strengthened primarily by its "attractive digital and field service capabilities" (GPH - Chief Executive Emre Sayin). Dreamlines wants to use the synergies above all for the conversion of customer's requests (Felix Schneider, Founder and CEO of Dreamlines).

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