A day does not seem to pass without the beleaguered Anfi being in the news, this time it is Canarian Journalen, an online Norwegian journal in Gran Canaria. Their article outlines the recent sale by the Lyng family of their 50% share in Anfi to IFA Lopesan. (See link at end of article).
The price given for this sale is a paltry 41.3 million euro, which pales in comparison to the reported 100 million euro the Cazorla group paid for their 50% stake in 2004. Canarian Journalen hints at the reason behind this low figure, not just the legal battle over contracts which Anfi are losing on an almost daily basis, but also the problems associated with the Tauro Beach project. They hint quite strongly this could be the involvement of the Cazorla Group in corruption accusations and scandals which may also involve “political characters”.
Canarian Journalen asked Ragnar Lyng if these problems influenced the decision to sell? In his reply Mr Lyng stated “It is impossible to be passive partner when it is not built on trust, says Ragnar Lyng”. When asked for the main reason for the sale Mr Lyng replied, “Disagreement on business philosophy. First and foremost in how a customer should be treated.Satisfied customers will return again and again, taking with them more, and give praise that strengthens your brand. It is also about respect for other people’s fundamental approach”.
Just from these few words it can clearly be seen the original concept of his father had been tarnished. Instead of very happy members who wished to return year after year, they became very disgruntled with the way they were treated. This is obviously borne out by the court judgements against Anfi, with even more in the pipeline. On this point many members have stated they were happy with Anfi as a resort, the problem has been in their treatment, continuous upgrading and the lack of availability.
One member who has taken action said they were upgraded several times, the last being a floating week at Anfi del Mar, but when trying to book were told no availability. Yet that was the reason given to upgrade, to ensure availability. When this particular member caused a stir with bookings, he was given one of the worst locations at Anfi Beach Club, on the ground floor with all the noise from the bars and the pool to contend with. This particular client was so incensed by this they sought redress through legal action to cancel the contracts.
On another note it has just been announced that on 27 September, the Supreme Court made another judgement against Anfi. This was in favour of a Norwegian client of Canarian Legal Alliance. This brings the total Supreme Court Rulings to an amazing 22, with many more in the process of being heard.
The Norwegian clients have been awarded 27,000 euro, with their contract being declared null & void. Again the Supreme Court ruled on the basis that “Floating Weeks” are illegal. More on this as it is made public. So to the clients and the legal team at CLA, a very big congratulations.
It is very clear these stories on legal action, the sale by Lyng to Lopesan and off course the ongoing investigation into the Project at Tauro Beach still have a long way to go. It will certainly keep the newspapers busy, Inside Timeshare will publish any news as and when it comes in, so watch this space!
If you need any information on any article published, or just need information on any company you may be dealing with, contact Inside Timeshare, if we don´t know the answer we will find out for you. Have a good weekend.
