New investor focuses on continuity and long-term prospects
After almost 30 years at the helm of the Hotel Bernerhof Gstaad, Brigitte and Thomas Frei have transferred their majority stake to two new owners. Geneva-based RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP and Zug-based Holdingstone AG have handed over operational management to François Grohens.
The Hotel Bernerhof Gstaad has new owners. According to a statement, Brigitte and Thomas Frei have sold their majority stake in Hotel Berner AG to asset manager RMG THE RISK MANAGEMENT GROUP (SUISSE) SA in Geneva and investment and holding company Holdingstone SA in Zug. The sale price has not been disclosed.
Over three decades, the Frei couple developed the Bernerhof into a renowned luxury and gourmet hotel. It has 46 rooms and suites in various categories and four award-winning restaurants. “After all these years as owners and managers of the Bernerhof, we are happy to hand over this living legacy to a group that is driven by a positive and ambitious vision for the Bernerhof and for Gstaad,” the couple are quoted as saying. They are particularly pleased that François Grohens took over the operational management at the beginning of December.
Grohens, 55, previously worked at the Bernerhof from 2002 to 2011 before moving to Park Gstaad. He has served as director there for the past six years. Stints in the USA and on cruise ships brought the Frenchman to Switzerland in 1997 and to Gstaad in 2000. According to reports, his focus is on “preserving the Bernerhof as a warm, familiar place for regular guests, while inspiring new guests with the quality of the service, the restaurants and the lively atmosphere”.
Jean-Guillaume Pieyre, founder and CEO of RMG, thanks Brigitte and Thomas Frei “for the trust they have placed in us”. Together with Emmanuel Kilchenmann, Vice President of Holdingstone, he wants to promote a project “that treats Gstaad and the region with respect and shares the vision of a lively village centre all year round”.