Cruise ship Internet provider to be acquired

Emerging Markets Communications has agreed to buy MTN
Communications, the main provider of communications services to many cruise
lines. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

EMC, based in Miami, provides telecom services in 140
countries. Its website lists it as a service provider to cargo ships, ferries,
fishing vessels and the marine oil and gas industry, but not to cruise ships.
It is backed by ABRY Partners, a private equity firm specializing in
communications.

“We are bringing together two global communications leaders
to meet customers’ unprecedented requirements for land-like connectivity,
content and voice services in the world’s furthest reaching corners,” said Mark
Walter, MTN’s president and chief operating officer.

Lindblad Expeditions, Windstar Cruises and Pearl Seas
Cruises are among the cruise lines that have recently signed or renewed
contracts with Miramar, Fla.-based MTN.

The two companies said they expect the acquisition to close
by the second quarter of 2015.