P&O Acquires Rival Cruise Operator Festival

P&O's ongoing return to its maritime roots continued Thursday with the acquisition of European cruise firm Festival in a deal worth up to $400 million. Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. chairman Jeffrey Sterling said privately held Festival is a dynamic business with a strong brand name and reputation.

P&O said Festival would be developed as an independent brand and would continue to be run by current CEO George Poulides.