VANEPS advises Royal Caribbean Group on partnership with Sandals Resorts

VANEPS acted as Curacao local counsel to Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) on an agreement to form a partnership with Sandals Resorts. Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for a total enterprise value of approximately $6 billion. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation and hospitality companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program.

VANEPS acted as local counsel alongside lead counsel Kirkland & Ellis. The VANEPS team included Tjarda Tazelaar, Tom Peeters, Mariëtte van Steeg, Ruthnialys Mogen and Paul de Lange.

Press release: https://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/sandals-resorts