As reported in various Spanish newspapers on the 8th January, the 50% shareholder in Anfi, Grupo Lopesan, has increased its shareholding in the troubled timeshare group. There is no secret that Lopesan have been unhappy with their fellow 50% shareholder, Grupo Santana Carzola for some time, not least of which has been caused by the so called “Golden Share” negotiated when Carzola purchased originally from the Lyng family. This golden share meant that Santana Carzola had two votes for every one vote cast by Lopesan; naturally this meant that Lopesan could be out voted on every occasion.
According to both El Diario and Tourisnews, Manuel Santana Cazorla has sold 50% of his rights in the family business to Grupo Lopesan. It’s no secret that the Carzola brothers, Santiago and Manuel have, for a long time, argued and failed to agree with many matters relating to the family business. Speculation has been rife of late surrounding the future of various Carzola companies, some of which are either in administration or bankruptcy but it can now be confirmed that the sale of Manuel’s shares is definite with the deal being concluded on the 22nd December last year.
In September we reported on the courtroom battle between Santana Carzola and Lopesan in relation to the placing into administration both Anfi Sales SL and Anfi Resorts SL. The action was presented by Lopesan and contested by the Carzola brothers, however as our article referred to above confirmed, the presiding judged favoured Lopesan.
What next?
A good question but with no definitive answer. Lopesan have stated on many occasions that the “timeshare model” doesn’t fit with their overall business plan. It’s true to say that Anfi is the only timeshare related business they are involved in. The Lopesan group has 16,500 beds in 22 hotels distributed in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura in Spain, Germany, Austria, and the Dominican Republic, none of these destinations involve timeshare except Anfi.
Those who have holidayed at any of the Anfi resorts would agree that they offer a superior holiday experience, or rather did. Of late reports seem to say that there has been a general deterioration in the resorts and the services offered. Given the reported quality of the Lopesan product maybe change is afoot. It can easily be imagined that with a capital injection all Anfi resorts could achieve five star ratings. Technically and using simple maths, there is a requirement to purchase the remaining 25% share to give Lopesan total ownership and control, will this happen? Logic dictates yes but only time will tell.
Uncertainty
Given the recent history of Anfi including court awards running into millions of Euros, boardroom unrest, family squabbles and a potential future owner who has no interest in timeshare this certainly presents insecurity for owners of timeshare. No doubt a bland letter from Jose Luis Trujillo, General Manager of the Anfi Group will be forthcoming stating that nothing has changed and everything in the garden is rosy, given this latest news it would be a brave person to sign such a letter.
If nothing else, this news presents us with yet another interesting development surrounding Anfi. As with all major events it would be wrong to second guess the future but as the title of this section states, uncertainty is certain until we all know the full ramifications.
If you are an owner of timeshare at Anfi and have concerns or questions don’t hesitate in contacting us.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk