Red Onion, First Expansion in Guernsey

A leading Channel Island hospitality group has announced its first acquisition since its formation earlier this year.

The Liberation Group (see note 1) has agreed a deal to acquire the business and freehold of the Red Onion, in Lefebvre Street, St Peter Port, from the Christie Group. Mr Mark Crowther, CEO of the Liberation Group (see note 2), welcomed the news: 'We're absolutely delighted with this deal, which is further proof of our original pledge to invest with the primary aim of growing the business in the mid to long-term.' He added: 'We want to create something that islanders can be proud of.'

Mr Crowther said that it would be business as usual and that the new employees can expect a warm welcome: 'All jobs are safe and we're not planning to change anything. In fact we're particularly looking forward to welcoming the Red Onion team into The Liberation Group family.'

The Liberation Group was created this year from the management buy-out of a portfolio that included The Jersey Brewery, Bucktrouts and 65 pubs and bars across the Channel Islands (see notes 3&4). The Red Onion is the Liberation Group's 22nd establishment in Guernsey and its first acquisition in the Channel Islands since the initial deal. Mr Crowther said that the group is firmly committed to the Channel Islands: 'Despite these uncertain times we have a strong belief in Guernsey and are still investing. We see this as a terrific opportunity.'