Uber Boat by Thames Clippers completes ferry firm acquisition

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has acquired The Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company Ltd and its subsidiary PHFC from FIH group plc for approximately US$15M.

PHFC is a long‑established ferry operator which has provided passenger services across the mouth of Portsmouth harbour from Gosport to Portsea for more than a century. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers said that the acquisition marks a significant expansion of its footprint in the UK passenger ferry market. Its head of legal and group company secretary Gareth Jones commented, “We are very pleased to complete this important transaction, and look forward to continuing to provide this much-admired, long-standing ferry service linking the historic communities of Portsmouth and Gosport.”

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright advised on the deal and reported its completion.

Norton Rose Fulbright partner Chris Randall commented, "Transport continues to be a highly active sector for M&A, and this transaction is further evidence of that momentum.”