Louis Cruise Line is considering consolidating its UK operations with Royal Olympic Cruises after buying the company for an estimated $40 to $50m.
Louis manager UK and Ireland Peter Adamou said the newly floated cruiseline could amalgamate the two central London offices.
“Over the next few weeks we will be having a good look at the operations of Royal Olympic and we will decide on a course of action. Consolidation is one option,” he said.
The deal, which will be subject to board approval on both sides, will give Louis a 70% controlling stake in the rival company.
Greek-owned Royal Olympic, which operates predominantly in the Mediterranean, has suffered heavy losses this year blamed on the war in Kosovo.
Louis, which is based in Cyprus, operates ships mostly on two and three-day cruises from the island.
It is also contracted to charter a ship to tour operator First Choice for summer 2000.
Currently, both cruiselines have separate UK operations in central London.
Royal Olympic head of UK operations Vic Howlett said:”Our sales did suffer over the summer. But any changes which will be made following the acquisition are not likely to be seen until next year.”