Succession Planning at 1AVista Reisen and Entry of VR Equity Partner as Strategic Investor
1AVista Reisen GmbH, one of Germany's leading river cruise operators, is setting the course for the future and arranging its corporate succession. A team led by HEUKING partner Dr. Marc Scheunemann and salaried partner Dr. Timo Piller advised the shareholders on the succession arrangements and the entry of VR Equity Partner as a strategic investor, providing both legal and tax counsel.
Founder and shareholder Hubert Schulte-Schmelter, who has guided the company strategically in recent years, is fully withdrawing from the business. Operational management remains in the proven hands of the three managing directors Hagen Mesters, Sascha Güldenmeister, and Raphael Dombrowski, along with Manuel Kloubert as authorized signatory (Prokurist). Raphael Dombrowski and Manuel Kloubert are joining as new shareholders, thereby broadening the ownership structure. As a strategic partner, VR Equity Partner — a private equity firm specializing in mid-market succession solutions and a subsidiary of DZ Bank — is acquiring a minority stake in the newly established holding company.
With this step, 1AVista Reisen is executing a planned generational transition that ensures continuity and stability while unlocking new growth opportunities. The participation of VR Equity Partner secures additional financial resources for planned investments and brings extensive expertise in succession processes.
1AVista Reisen GmbH, headquartered in Cologne, was founded in 2007 and has since established itself as one of Germany's leading river cruise operators. The company specializes in river cruises on Europe's waterways as well as on select long-distance routes such as the Nile.
VR Equity Partner is a private equity firm headquartered in Frankfurt am Main that specializes in mid-market succession solutions and growth financing. The firm supports owner-managed mid-sized companies through shareholder transitions and strategic development initiatives. VR Equity Partner pursues a partnership-oriented approach and places particular emphasis on preserving established corporate cultures and existing management structures.
Counsel to the Shareholders of 1AVista Reisen GmbH
HEUKING:
Dr. Marc Scheunemann, LL.M., Düsseldorf/Frankfurt,
Dr. Timo Piller (both lead), Düsseldorf,
Dr. Ulrich Jork, Munich,
Robert Clev, LL.M. (all Corporate/M&A), Düsseldorf,
Michael Below (Public Law), Düsseldorf,
Kerstin Deiters (Employment), Cologne,
Dr. Tilman Spancken (Real Estate), Düsseldorf,
Dr. Reinhard Siegert,
Ruth Jungkind (both Antitrust), both Munich,
Klaus Weinand-Härer,
Sebastian Eibich (both Tax), both Frankfurt
