Not to be thwarted in its expansion, Carnival announced in June 1997!the purchase of Costa, an Italian cruise company and the largest European cruise line, for $141 milion. The purchase was finalized in September 2000. External expansion continued when Carnival announced the acquisition of the Cunard Line for $500 milion from Kvaerner ASA on May 28, 1998. Cunard was then operationally merged with Seabourn Cruise Line. Carnival announced on December 2, 1999, a hostile bid for NCL Holding ASA, the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Lines. Carnival was unsuccessful in this acquisition attempt.