UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones acquires Town and Field which owns Le Farinet hotel and bar in Verbier, Switzerland

MANCHESTER, 15-9-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — British entrepreneur Lawrence Jones has completed a multi-million pound deal to acquire the UK company behind an exclusive ski resort’s first ever hotel.

The UKFast CEO this week completed the purchase of Town and Field – which owns Le Farinet, hotel and bar in the world-famous ski resort of Verbier, Switzerland – from a consortium of private investors.

Le Farinet, Verbier, was the first hotel in the Swiss ski resort, believed to have been built in the 1930s. The hotel ranks as one the best apres ski locations in the world and is frequented by guests including Bono and the Royal Family.

Jones is said to be investing around £15m into the project, including acquisition costs and a substantial refurbishment programme.

Jones said: “We understand the importance of investing in our team. Each year, we fly more and more top performers from UKFast over to Verbier to give them a different environment to train and learn in.

“With the company growing so quickly, flying team members over there was becoming cost prohibitive.

“A few years ago we acquired a hotel in Snowdonia, North Wales and since then we’ve had every person from the company through the doors of our Castell Cidwm lake house. It’s become a key part of our induction process and an invaluable place for team events throughout the year. It was clear that it was time to expand this concept.

“I see Le Farinet performing a similar role for UKFast, whilst continuing to be one of the world’s top apres ski bars.”

Jones promises an unrivalled apres ski location and, despite sealing the deal just days ago, has already set the wheels in motion to work with some of the world’s most sought-after creatives.

He said: “Local architect Patrice Coupe, who worked on projects in the resort including Sir Richard Branson’s The Lodge, has been instrumental in helping us to make the deal happen. We have already started talks with the Italian designer who helped to create The W, a stunning new hotel in the village.

“Verbier is the most beautiful resort I have ever visited and it’s a real honour to be responsible for such an important project.”

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UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones acquires Town and Field which owns Le Farinet hotel and bar in Verbier, Switzerland