River boat cruise company charts new course after acquisition by River Thames sightseeing operator

York River Boat Cruises, owned by Chester Boat Company, has been sold to City Cruises , a leading River Thames sightseeing operator, for £2.5m.

York River Boat Cruises is City Cruises’ second acquisition outside of London and the team in York said it is “excited to be operating with a new injection of support and expansion”.

Brian Clarke, owner and managing director of Chester Boat Company, says: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity over the last 10 years using my wealth of experience to develop the business and it is with great pleasure that it can now be passed on to a larger operator that can take this business to its next level.”

Operating as City Cruise York, the current employees of 20 staff will continue to be led by general manager Jo Dykes.

Kyle Haughton, managing director, says: “Our objective is to grow the business beyond London and the new acquisition is a step towards achieving this. There are significant opportunities to work with the trade in York and the success we’ve had packaging attractions with cruises is something we want to develop there too.”

Chester Boat Company, owned by Brian and Raquel Clarke and known for operating the passenger boats on the River Dee at Chester and trading as Chesterboat, acquired the York business in 2006.

Brian joined the business in 1979 as a boat driver at Chester and the disposal of the York operation will help free him up to continue the development of the commercial side of the business providing specialist marine support with national contracts. Raquel will be continuing to focus on the Chester passenger boat operation.

Ed Barnes, head of corporate and commercial at North West law firm DTM Legal, who led the team acting for Chester Boat Company, said: “This was an important strategic transaction for our client and one which involved fairly complex contractual arrangements and co-ordination among various stakeholders. We are delighted to have helped Brian and his team conclude the deal and look forward to working with Chester Boat Company Limited in the future.”