Silversea Cruises founder Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio has agreed a takeover deal for cruise operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K).

The shipowner's private investment company Heritage Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Geoffrey Kent, A&K founder and chief executive, to buy 100% of the company.

Heritage will own 85% and Kent 15%.

Kent will continue as chairman and CEO of the operating company, while Lefebvre will become chairman of Abercrombie & Kent Holding.