AML - AscentAscent

Launch of a leading Moroccan ferry operator

Project overview

In September 2016, BMCE Bank of Africa and Attica Holdings, launched Africa Morocco Links (AML), a joint stock company involved in ferry transportation of passengers and freight between Morocco and Southern Europe.
AML started its activities with the Tanger Med–Algeciras route, and it is currently operating with three vessels enabling more than 8 sailings per day.
AML is planning to grow its activities by launching additional maritime lines between Morocco and southern Europe, with a goal of reinforcing its position as the leading Moroccan ferry transportation player (to both Europe and Africa).
Ascent Capital partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to BMCE and Attica on their joint venture.

Shareholders’ overview

BMCE Bank of Africa is a leading banking player in Morocco and Africa, primarily active across 4 major business segments: commercial banking in Morocco; investment banking (capital markets, brokerage and asset management); international activities in Africa (network of BOA) and Europe; and specialized financial services (leasing, consumer credit and factoring).
Attica Holdings is one of the leading ferry owners and operators around the world, listed on the Athens Stock Exchange. The company operates a young, modern fleet of top-class ferries for passengers and cargo under the brands « Superfast Ferries » and « Blue Star Ferries », navigating in the Greece-Italy routes and the Greek domestic routes. Attica also has experience in ferry routes well beyond Greek waters, including in the European Continent (e.g., connections in Baltic Sea between Germany and Finland and in North Sea between Belgium and Scotland).