Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) today officially signed the agreement allowing it to acquire 75% of the shares of the Swiss School for Tourism and Hospitality AG (SSTH) in Passugg.

After a period of in-depth analysis which began at the end of January 2013 and focused on both the strategic and economic aspects of this investment, EHL is now completing its acquisition of 75% of the SSTH. hotelleriesuisse, the umbrella organisation of the Swiss hotel industry, holds, alongside EHL a minority stake in the capital of the School, which is located in the heart of the Canton of Graubünden. The Schörghuber family, which owns the company Arabella (Schweiz), has decided to transfer their shareholding to EHL, thus demonstrating their confidence in EHL's ability to ensure the future of the SSTH.

A unique model in the world of hospitality education

This acquisition will enable EHL and hotelleriesuisse to integrate the entire vocational training and education programme, from the apprenticeship to the Bachelor HES, thus affording a unique opportunity for students enrolling at the SSTH.
This "academic progression" model will offer young people holding a Federal Certificate of Ability (CFC) the possibility of continuing a higher education course at the SSTH in Passugg and then of taking a Bachelor HES degree awarded by the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES-SO).

A major strategic and competitive asset
The Board of Governors of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne has been looking for an opportunity to develop close links with a Specialized School in German-speaking Switzerland for some years, with the aim of making the know-how and expertise of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne more widely known in Switzerland. An opportunity arose last year with the SSTH, which was planning to develop a Bachelor programme, while the school's owners were seeking to sell their capital interest to a new investor.

By establishing today a strong link with an institution in German-speaking Switzerland, EHL is strengthening its presence and position as a leader. Michel Rochat, General Director of EHL, also underlines his intention to develop and maintain solid links with the Canton's State Council and the hoteliers of Graubünden, the cradle of the leisure hotel industry, because "in order to be recognized and to be the best in its field, a school must be strongly rooted in its economic and social environment".

An additional source of talents for the industry
hotelleriesuisse, the umbrella organisation of the Swiss hotel industry, has been the key player in this acquisition. As an organisation for those who work in the services and hospitality world, hotelleriesuisse, the SSTH minority shareholder, will represent the interests of this industry on the new board. The association will also continue to promote the values of the SSTH to its members in Graubünden.

Guglielmo L. Brentel, president of the hotel association, says that he "is looking forward to intensifying the association's cooperation with the partner schools in Lausanne, Thun and Passugg, which means that by transcending the language issues, the training landscape for our industry can be improved."

About hotelleriesuise

Hotelleriesuisse is the centre of excellence for the Swiss hotel industry and the trade association which represents the interests of the nationally and internationally oriented hotel establishments. Since 1882, hotelleriesuisse, together with its 3,120 members and 2,020 hotels, has stood for a quality-conscious and forward-looking hotel and accommodation industry in Switzerland. www.hotelleriesuisse.ch

About Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality AG

SSTH trains and educates skilled personnel and managers in the hotel and tourism industry to various educational levels. There are 400 students from 40 different countries studying on the Passugg campus near Chur. The students work in culturally mixed project teams, and draw up specific solutions for industry -related projects, and also take part in important events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos. Lifelong learning, a practical focus and hospitality are the core values of SSTH. SSTH was the first Swiss hotel management college to be recognised for its course Dipl. Hôtelière -Restauratrice HF/Dipl. Hôtelier - Restaurateur HF under the new regulations in November 2012. www.ssth.ch

About EHL Group

EHL Group is the global reference in education, innovation and consulting for the hospitality and service sector.
With expertise dating back to 1893, EHL Group now offers a wide range of leading educational programs from apprenticeships to master's degrees, as well as professional and executive education, on three campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. EHL Group also offers consulting and certification services to companies and learning centers around the world. True to its values and committed to building a sustainable world, EHL Group's purpose is to provide education, services and working environments that are people-centered and open to the world. www.ehlgroup.com

Anouck WEISS
Director of Communications
+41 (0)21 785 13 54
EHL