June 18, 2024, Charleston, SC — ArkMalibu served as the exclusive financial advisor to Fort Sumter Tours and Affiliated Companies in its Sale to Aramark Sports & Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of publicly traded Aramark, Inc. Terms of the deal, which closed in late 2023, were not disclosed.
Founded by the late George E. Campsen, Jr. in 1961, Fort Sumter Tours was owned and operated by the Campsen family for 62 years. It has ferried millions of visitors to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, pursuant to concession contracts with the National Park Service. With the addition of dinner cruises, harbor tours, private charters and bus tours in the 1980’s and 90’s, the business became the largest tour provider in Charleston — perennially a top-ranked travel destination.
“Bitter-sweet” is how Chip Campsen, former President of Fort Sumter Tours, characterized selling the business. “From the engine room, to the board room, Campsen family members worked in the business since their early teens. We will miss our relationships with the National Park Service, Charleston hospitality industry, and our exceptional employees.”
The investment banking firm, ArkMalibu, represented Fort Sumter Tours in the transaction. Campsen praised ArkMalibu as, “consummate professionals, value enhancers, and a pleasure to work with.”
As for choosing Aramark as the purchaser, Campsen said, “We handed the helm to the right buyer. Aramark is well capitalized, in it for the long run, has extensive Park Concession experience, and a commitment to retain our key employees such as General Manager Ian Harris.”
Campsen concluded, “My late father would be pleased with both last year’s sale to Aramark, and our selection of ArkMalibu to represent us in the transaction. The Campsen family considers that a reliable test for a prudent and honorable business decision.”
