The renowned Les Bordes estate in France, widely considered to be one of the world’s best golf courses, has been bought from its Japanese owners by a prominent group of international businessmen.
The price paid by the purchasers has not been disclosed but is believed to have been close to the original guide price of €25m and, possibly, a little bit in excess of that figure.
HMH Golf & Leisure acted jointly with St Andrews Golf Resort Management on behalf of the Japanese owners, The Kosaido Company. Jonathan Thornton of St Andrews Golf Resort Management said, “The acquisition process attracted some of the leading investors in world golf and produced a resolution which has been wholeheartedly endorsed by Kosaido as being able to maintain and develop their original vision of excellence.”
Nick Hopton of HMH Golf & Leisure said, “Obviously everyone is delighted with this result which confirms the continuing strength of the market for top quality golf complexes.”
The group of purchasers, led by Tony Jimenez, has promised to enhance the already exceptional facilities at the resort. The course was designed by acclaimed architect Robert von Hagge and the new owners, Les Bordes Holdings, have announced that they intend to charge von Hagge with the task of upgrading the course and continuing its meticulous maintenance schedules. They also plan to completely upgrade one of the other two 18-hole courses on the estate to rival the prestigious first Les Bordes course.
In order to manage the ambitious upgrade schedule, Les Bordes has brought in the highly experienced development manager Mark Vickery, whose previous record includes managing developments at Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane, Disney and Goodwood.
Mr Jimenez said, “The purchase heralds a new dawn for the estate. Les Bordes Holdings is delighted to have acquired this exceptional golf facility and is committed to investing and expanding the estate’s facilities to the standard that this exclusive property deserves. We intend to build upon Les Bordes’ undisputed reputation as one of the very best golf resort destinations in the world.
“As a matter of course in all of our developments we seek the involvement of only the best professionals. We have entrusted the management of this prestigious project to the hands of Mark Vickery. Mark’s international pedigree and track record in multi-faceted projects of this kind is well proven.
“We have been extremely fortunate in securing the purchase of this special and unique estate. Les Bordes is truly a hidden gem and represents the pinnacle of the golfing experience. A chance such as this very rarely presents itself. We are delighted and very excited about this opportunity.”
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