Católica Porto Business School has formalised the signing of a protocol with Mystic Invest Holding, granting the company the status of Prestige Partner of the School’s Corporate Club. This agreement strengthens the strategic partnership between the School and a leading Portuguese holding company, underlining their shared commitment to excellence in executive education and talent development.

This collaboration is aligned with Católica Porto Business School’s mission to bring academic knowledge closer to organisational reality, promoting value creation and reinforcing the bridge between university and business.

According to the Dean of Católica Porto Business School, João Pinto, “the partnership with Mystic Invest Holding represents a unique opportunity to bring our students and executive programmes closer to the business environment. This collaboration allows us to strengthen value creation and prepare leaders who combine academic rigour with excellence in practice.”

With operations in Portugal, Germany and the United States, Mystic Invest Holding is a leader in river cruises on the Douro and an international reference in maritime expeditions from the Arctic to Antarctica. The group invests in next-generation vessels with high energy efficiency and a strong commitment to sustainability, and includes brands such as Atlas Ocean Voyages, DouroAzul, Mystic Cruises, Mystic Ocean and nicko Cruises.

The signing ceremony was attended by Paula Paz Ferreira, Executive Board Member of Mystic Invest Holding, and Ana Teotónio Pereira, the company’s Marketing and Communications Director. Representing Católica Porto Business School were the Dean of Católica Porto Business School, João Pinto, Sara Pacheco, Executive MBA Coordinator, and Pedro Carneiro, Head of the Dean’s Office.

According to Paula Paz Ferreira, “we are very pleased to join the Corporate Club of Católica Porto Business School as a Prestige Partner. This collaboration represents a strategic investment in talent development and in strengthening our connection to the academic ecosystem: it enables us to share our business experience, actively contribute to the development of students and, at the same time, reinforce critical capabilities that accelerate the execution of our strategy and sustain our growth ambitions.”

This protocol marks another step in Católica Porto Business School’s strategy of building partnerships that enhance practical learning, foster innovation and develop leaders prepared for the challenges of the global market, further strengthening the link between students and real-world business opportunities.