Time for a new alliance - Press Releases

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MSC Cruises Has Just Posted the Following:

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MSC Cruises is delighted to announce a new partnership with Baume & Mercier, the sixth oldest worldwide Swiss watch brand, building on a reputation forged over 180 years and endowed with an exceptional heritage and expertise in manufacturing elegant and timeless timepieces. For three years, specialist Baume & Mercier boutiques have been present onboard select ships within the MSC Cruises fleet, bringing these luxury hand-crafted timepieces to a discerning clientele of cruise guests.

Significant similarities

The partnership represents a particularly com-plementary pairing of two companies able to leverage their common commercial interests around a shared set of values. At the core of both businesses is the ability to combine technical excellence with an elegant design aesthetic, one that is constantly being revisited. Both the luxury liner and the precision watches are crafted by hand by talented artisans, all of whom are as passionate as they are skilled. Finally, an essential element shared by both companies is that their products are waterproof!

Business synergies

In addition to sharing a solid foundation of similar values, there are key strategic synergies driving the MSC Cruises - Baume & Mercier alliance. The elegant environment of MSC Cruises ships and the company's dedicated onboard horology and jewellery boutiques offer the perfect setting in which to showcase Baume & Mercier timepieces.

Delighted with the new partnership, Alexander Wensky, Baume & Mercier Brand manager Northern Europe and Switzerland explained; "MSC liners, with their modern yet elegant interiors and fully trained, multilingual sales staff dovetail perfectly with our distribution strategy. The onboard boutiques are different to our city stores and provide the perfect complement to our boutiques in airports and in-flight."

The pairing is set to reap commercial rewards as both share the same customer demographic. MSC guests and Baume & Mercier customers have a similar profile: both enjoy making the most out of life, taking pleasure in quality products at affordable prices. These well-travelled ‘citizens of the world' are open to new experiences and are demanding in their quest for quality.

Joint celebrations at launch of new vessel

The celebratory launch of MSC Cruises' latest addition to its exceptionally modern fleet, the MSC Magnifica, provided the ideal platform from which to celebrate both this new vessel and the partnership. Taking place in Hamburg, Germany, on March 6th 2010, the occasion was marked by dazzling shows, artistic performances and a special appearance from Italian actress and icon and much-loved ‘godmother' of eight MSC ships, Sophia Loren. To seal the partnership, Baume & Mercier presented 12 handmade timepieces customised with the MSC Magnifica name and launch date to VIPs including Mr Gianluigi Aponte, and members of MSC top management.

Commenting on the new partnership, Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises stated; "I would like to express my delight and satisfaction in this partnership, which is further proof of MSCs excellence and our ability to attract esteemed brands thanks to our commitment to upholding high levels of quality and service. This partnership pays testament to our desire to continually offer the best products and onboard experience for our valued passengers."

The emotional business of celebrating memories lies at the heart of Baume & Mercier and MSC; one seeks to add to our memory bank of treasured moments, the other strives to preserve every second through its exceptional timekeeping. This is one partnership sure to stand the test of time.



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