Founders join new Advisory Board as Schulte Group completes full acquisition of sea chefs

Founders join new Advisory Board as Schulte Group completes full acquisition of sea chefs

The sea chefs Group, a leading international partner for Full-Service Hospitality Management in the cruise industry, confirms that the Schulte Group — a globally active, family-owned maritime solutions provider — has acquired the remaining 50% of shares in sea chefs.

With this step, the Schulte Group will hold 100% ownership of the sea chefs Group. The transaction is expected to be completed in January 2026 and follows the initial 50% acquisition in 2024.

As part of the transaction, sea chefs announces the formation of an Advisory Board for sea
chefs. The Advisory Board will include sea chefs’ founders Georg Bernsteiner and Helmut
Rödig, industry participants, and Johann B. Schulte as the shareholder representative of the
Schulte family. As such, Bernsteiner and Rödig will remain closely involved with sea chefs’
customers and management team, ensuring continuity and providing strategic guidance.

“sea chefs is a respected company with a strong brand, dedicated team, and loyal customers.
This acquisition brings together two organisations that share similar values and a focus on
customer service,” said Ian Beveridge, CEO of the Schulte Group.

“We’re committed to working closely with sea chefs’ management to ensure customers
continue to receive the quality and attention they expect. sea chefs’ services align closely with
ours, and together we will be able to offer a broader range of solutions to support our clients’
needs” said Martin Springer, President of the Schulte Group’s Cruise & Hospitality segment.

Since acquiring its initial 50% stake, the Schulte Group and sea chefs have strengthened
cooperation across areas such as recruitment, training, and global partnerships. Full
ownership will enable further investment in innovation and growth.

As part of the wider Schulte Group, sea chefs will continue to operate as an independent
brand, working alongside sister companies including BSM Cruise Services, who offers quality
ship management services for 15 cruise vessels, Schulte Marine Concept, the newbuilding
arm of the Group, and cruisePAL, a digital solutions and comprehensive software solution
dedicated to the cruise industry. Together, these companies provide a comprehensive service
offering for both established operators and new market entrants.

“We’ve built strong, long-term relationships with our customers over the years, and that trust
means everything to us,” said Franz-Josef Viehhauser, Chairman of sea chefs Holding. “After
two successful years with the Schulte Group at our side, we can clearly feel the tremendous
potential ahead, and the future of sea chefs is firmly set. Both of our family-owned businesses share a commitment to long-lasting relationships, thoughtful decision-making, and sustainable
growth. This acquisition unlocks new resources and opportunities, allowing us to further
strengthen our global presence and enhance our services.”

The management team, chaired by Viehhauser, enjoys the full confidence of the new
shareholders and remains unchanged. Backed by the Schulte Group’s commitment, this team
will further shape the company’s future as an independent brand and client-focused
organisation