Hurtigruten, HX Sold to Investment Group; Brands to Separate in 2025

Hurtigruten Group over the weekend announced that it has sold both Hurtigruten and HX to a consortium of existing investors for over €500 million. The deals will support business growth and will mark the final phase of the separation of the group into Hurtigruten and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) as standalone entities. The deal and separation is expected to complete by January 2025.

This investment, Hurtigruten Group says, ensures that both standalone businesses have access to the required resources to fund the next phases of their global growth potential. “The investors are excited to be supporting both companies in their plans to continue to develop innovative travel experiences, while meeting the rising demand for more responsible and meaningful travel globally,” it adds.

Torben Geisler of Arini Capital Management, which is part of the two consortiums that acquired the brands, said this new “chapter” will see the companies “enhance their product offerings and explore new markets.”

Hurtigruten's MS Nordlys
Hurtigruten's MS Nordlys (Photo by Agurtxane Concellon)

Hurtigruten, a Norwegian shipping and travel company operating the coastal route between Kirkenes and Bergen, will remain under the leadership of current CEO Hedda Felin. The company is seeing strong demand for its products with—as of November 24—2025 bookings 24 percent higher year-to-date compared to last year for 2024. Since its founding in 1893, Hurtigruten has transported local passengers, essential cargo, vehicles and tourists to 34 ports along Norway’s coast.

As for HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), the company will continue to be led by CEO Gebhard Rainer, who joined the company in June. He previously served as CEO of Sandals Resorts International and CFO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. HX will move its headquarters to London, where Rainer is based.

The acquisition does not have any practical implications for Hurtigruten’s or HX’s customer offerings, business partners or daily operations.

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