Clermont Club Set to Fall to Malaysian Billionaire

As reported by the (London) Times: "The London casino where Lord Lucan once played bridge with the likes of Sir James Goldsmith and John Aspinall, is to be acquired by the Malaysian billionaire Quek Leng Chan, The Times has learnt.

"BIL International, the Singapore-listed investment firm controlled by Mr Quek, is understood to be close to agreeing the purchase of the Clermont Club in Mayfair from Rank in a deal worth an estimated £30 million.

"The Clermont, which Rank acquired in 1990 as part of the takeover of Mecca Leisure, was designed in 1742 by William Kent and later was the home of Beau Brummell, the Regency dandy, and Lord Clermont, who often entertained the future George IV there.

"...The sale of the Clermont comes after a review of Rank's operations by Ian Burke, the group's new chief executive.

"...The Clermont is the only upmarket casino in Rank's Grosvenor Casinos division, attracting high-rollers who can win or lose fortunes at a single sitting, making the business very volatile..."

2006-08-16