News & Insights
Latest news, thoughts and points of view from Libra Group and its worldwide subsidiaries
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Lomar announces order for up to six new design, fuel-efficient Wenchong 2,200 TEU container ships
Lomar has signed an order with the Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard in South China, for up to six new container ships. Scheduled for delivery starting from early 2014, the 2190 nominal TEU capacity vessels (14mt/TEU homogenous load of 1570 TEU) have...
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Shankly Productions changes name to Principal Media
Shankly Productions, the international TV production and distribution company, has completed a comprehensive rebrand exercise which includes changing its name to Principal Media LLP. "Shankly Productions is now known as Principal Media...
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Grace Santorini opens the Villa
Grace Hotels has announced the opening this spring of 'The Villa' at Grace Santorini. The new 400 sq m two-bedroom private residence with its own spa, kitchen, terraces and swimming pool...
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LCI sets up new division with $400m helicopter fleet
Lease Corporation International (LCI) and AgustaWestland have signed an agreement covering the purchase of a fleet of AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for a new division being set up by...
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Lomar announces order for up to six 64,000 dwt bulk carriers
Lomar Corporation has signed an order with COSCO Group in China for up to six ‘Ultramax’ bulk carriers. Scheduled for delivery starting from early 2014, the ‘Dolphin’ 64,000 dwt vessels meet the highest...
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Purchase of 212 residential units in Florida caps a strong year
FCA Group, the North and Central American real estate investment and property management arm of Libra Group, today announced that it has acquired 212 units at Grand Pavilion residential estate in Tampa, Florida...
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Former Deputy Secretary of State and UN Ambassador John Negroponte joins Greenwood Energy board as Senior Advisor
Effective October 1st 2011, the Hon. John Negroponte, former US Deputy Secretary of State and Ambassador to the United Nations, has joined Greenwood Energy as Senior Advisor and Board Member. Mr. Negroponte will provide...
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Greenwood Energy Announces Purchase of 1.4 MW Fuel Cell Project
Greenwood Energy has announced its first power contract with the purchase of a 1.4 megawatt (MW) Direct FuelCell® power plant from FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL), a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean, efficient and reliable power plants...
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Concordia Summit Releases Key Findings from Inaugural Counter-Extremism Conference
The Concordia Summit announced today three key findings from its inaugural counter-extremism conference held on September 20th which gathered heads of state, business leaders, government officials and...
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Greenwood Energy Launched
Following the 2010 acquisition of waste-to-energy specialist, Greenwood Fuels, October 2011 sees the creation of Greenwood Energy which becomes Libra Group’s North American renewable and clean energy subsidiary, encompassing Greenwood's fuel pellet technology...
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Bespoke By Grace: Personal Service Before You Arrive
International boutique hotels group Grace Hotels has launched Bespoke by Grace, a totally new and original concept that enables guests to customize numerous aspects of their hotel stay before they arrive. Bespoke in-room options span choice of pillows...
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Grace Beijing opens its doors – new boutique hotel for Chinese capital
Grace Beijing (www.gracebeijing.com), the new boutique hotel for the Chinese capital has officially opened its doors for business today. Formerly the Yi House Hotel, this addition to Grace Hotels (www.gracehotels.com), the award-winning boutique hotels brand...
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LCI Appoints new CEO and Executive Chairman
Lease Corporation International (LCI), the Dublin-based aircraft lessor, has today announced the appointment of Michael Platt as CEO, effective 1 January 2012. He joins the management team with immediate effect as CEO Designate, working closely with current CEO, Crispin Maunder...
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Muse by Jonathan Cartwright opens at Vanderbilt Grace
Grace Hotels, the award-winning luxury boutique hotel group, has announced the debut of Muse by Jonathan Cartwright at Vanderbilt Grace in Newport, Rhode Island. Chef Cartwright is Grace Hotels' Group Chef de Cuisine, in addition to his role...
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Libra Internship Program Launched
Libra Group announced the launch of its International Internship Program for a select 20 students per annum to be run in cooperation with The American College of Greece and the Greek America Foundation...
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Concordia to Host Inaugural Counter-Terrorism Summit in New York City on September 20, 2011
The Concordia Summit, a non-profit organization that seeks to develop private/public partnerships around pressing global issues, announced today that it will host its inaugural summit focusing on the global fight against extremism on September 20th, 2011 in New York City...
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President George W. Bush Addresses Libra Sponsored Summit
The Concordia Summit, a non-profit organization that seeks to develop private/public partnerships around pressing global issues, announced today that it will host its inaugural summit focusing on the global fight against extremism on September 20th, 2011 in New York City...
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Work begins on Grace Cafayate Hotel & Residences
Work has begun on the Grace Cafayate Hotel & Residences complex after the symbolic turf cutting ceremony held at the site last month with Raúl González Neira, President of Grace Cafayate and CEO of First South American Investments, and Juan Esteban Romero, partner in the Cafayate Estate...
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Grace Hotels expands into Asia with acquisition of acclaimed Yi House boutique hotel in Beijing’s iconic 798 Art District
Grace Hotels Group (www.gracehotels.com), the award-winning boutique hotels group has announced its entry into the Asian market with the acquisition of the acclaimed Yi House Hotel in partnership with the hotel's former owners...
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Shankly to Represent PassmoreLab’s 3D Library
West Hollywood-based Shankly International Distribution has teamed up with PassmoreLab, one of the most prominent producers of 3D programming in the U.S. Shankly will exclusively represent worldwide TV rights for twelve new PassmoreLab titles, all scheduled to debut later this month. Among the leading players in 3D film and TV production,...
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Condo Portfolio At Heron Pond, increased
FCA Group has acquired 79 condominium units in a garden-style development, Heron Pond, in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Located in one of the most desirable residential areas of Broward County, the shared space includes a lake, tennis...
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Vanderbilt Grace opens
Grace Hotels, the family-owned award-winning hotel group is delighted to announce the opening of Vanderbilt Grace in Newport, Rhode Island. The property was acquired in late 2010 and is the first Grace hotel in the USA...
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Shankly Productions Appoints New CEO
West Hollywood-based TV production & distribution company, Shankly Productions, has appointed David E. Brenner as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Brenner, formerly Executive Vice President at Shankly, will oversee...
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Chef Cartwright appointed as group Chef de Cuisine
Grace Hotels (www.gracehotels.com), the luxury boutique hotels group has appointed the Grand Chef Relais and Châteaux, Jonathan Cartwright, as Group Chef de Cuisine with global responsibility for defining and managing the dining experience...
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Three New Chemical Tankers for Lomar
Lomar, the shipping arm of Libra Group, has acquired three 13,000 dwt chemical tankers from Hellespont Ship Management. The Hellespont Credo, Hellespont Creation and Hellespont Chivalry were built between 2006...
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2010: New CEO and New COO Appointed in Year Of Expansion For Lomar
2010 was a year of significant expansion for Lomar. Early in the year the company acquired four LPGs - the 3200 cbm Malvern, Cheltenham and Longchamp and the 3500 cbm Auteuil. During the year three container ships were added - the 797 TEU Halcyon...
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Euroenergy In Latvia
EuroEnergy has opened an office in Latvia and entered joint venture to develop a series of biogas production facilities. The initial agreement covers six plants and the first 0.5 MW development is fully completed. The remaining projects will be fully completed...
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Emmy Nomination
Shankly Productions is nominated for an Emmy Award for its TV series First Ascent in the 'Best Camerawork, Sports' category. The series which profiles extreme adventure athletes aired on the Travel Channel in the U.S. and on National Geographic throughout the world. The series, co-produced by National Geographic International, has now sold in over...
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Grace Panama Announced
Grace Hotels announces its first hotel in Central America following a strategic alliance with F&F Properties, one of Panama City’s most prestigious real estate developers...
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Greenwood Fuels’ Pellets Classified as Renewable Fuel in Ohio by PUCO
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) ruled that Greenwood Fuels' customers in Ohio can be certified as eligible renewable energy resource generating facilities. As such, these facilities will be able to generate renewable energy credits (REC) proportionate to their usage of Greenwood Fuels pellets. These credits, particularly valuable as they are created in...
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Vanderbilt Hall, Acquisition by Grace Hotels
Grace Hotels Group (www.gracehotels.com), the award-winning luxury boutique hotels group has announced its entry into the US market with the acquisition of the historic Vanderbilt Hall hotel and spa in Newport, Rhode Island. The group is set for global expansion including more Grace hotels in South, Central and North America. The company recently announced its...
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First South American Investments unveils the second phase of investment in Becar Plaza
Less than a year after launch the Beccar Plaza development, First South American Investments (FSA) has unveiled Beccar Plaza II, the second tranche in this premium development. Along the same lines of styling and design, it will also incorporate the latest in residential innovations such as regulated lighting and mobile-controlled air conditioning. Work will begin on Beccar...
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Grace Cafayate, Argentina launch
Grace Hotels group (www.gracehotels.com) has begun its expansion into the Americas with the announcement of the Grace Cafayate hotel, spa and residential villas development in Calchaquí Valley in the northwest of Argentina...
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Greenwood Fuels Receives Manufacturing Award of Distinction
Greenwood Fuels received the 2010 Manufacturing Award of Distinction during a ceremony held by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Now a decade-old tradition, this event honours companies who have achieved continued excellence in manufacturing and supporting local economic development. Ted Hansen, General Manager of Greenwood, accepted the...
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Travel Channel Acquires Shankly’s Docu-Series “First Ascent”
The Travel Channel has picked up ground-breaking action docu-series "First Ascent" for U.S. television from Hollywood-based distributor, Shankly International Distribution. A co-production with National Geographic International and Sender Films...
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Greenwood Fuels Awarded $1.25m in State Energy Program Funds
Greenwood Fuels has received a $1.25 million low-interest loan through the Wisconsin State Energy Program. The loans, awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, were funded through the American Recovery...
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Optima Business Park Phase 3 Launched
As it marks its fifth year in Argentina, First South American Investments alongside its property investment partner Belgravia Land & Development has unveiled the third building of modern offices...
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Shankly’s Docu-Series “First Ascent” Sells in Over 100 Countries
West Hollywood-based Shankly International Distribution has licensed its rock climbing adventure series "First Ascent" to eight more territories. The series, co-produced by National Geographic International...
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Libra Group Acquires Greenwood Fuels
Libra Group has announced the acquisition of Greenwood Fuels, an innovative producer of renewable fuel products that help its customers meet increasingly stringent environmental and sustainability standards...
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US Hotels Group adds The Asticou Inn to its collection of New England Hotels
Maine based luxury boutique hotel group, US Hotels, has added the Asticou Inn in Northeast Maine on the doorstep of Acadia National Park, to its signature collection. US Hotels, best known for its Relais & Châteaux properties...
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BBC Worldwide Acquires Shankly’s “First Ascent” Series
Global television distributor Shankly International Distribution has closed a multi-territory deal with BBC Worldwide Channels for its rock climbing series "First Ascent". The deal gives BBC Worldwide Channels premiere rights to the series for its BBC Knowledge feeds in Poland and the Nordic region. A co-production with National Geographic International and Sender...
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Grace Santorini expands with additional bedrooms, new Mediterranean kitchen and more
Grace Santorini celebrates the coming of summer with three new rooms and a picturesque al fresco restaurant complete with Mediterranean influences from an open kitchen. Meanwhile Chef Spiros Agious returns to the Grace kitchens having gained valuable experience over the winter with two of the world's leading chefs, Michel Roux Junior of Le Gavroche, London...
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FCA Acquires 109 residential condominiums in Coral Springs, Florida
FCA Group announced the acquisition of 109 residential condominiums located at Crescent Cove at Coral Springs Condominium complex in Coral Springs, Florida. Situated on a lushly landscaped 13+ acre site...
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Libra Opens China and Germany Representative Offices
2010 saw the opening of Libra Group representative offices in Beijing, China and Hamburg, Germany. These offices provide a gateway to all of Libra's commercial interests 'under one roof'...
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Lomar Corporation acquires Allocean and its entire fleet
Lomar Corporation announced the acquisition of the entire fleet of vessels owned by London-based Allocean group. The fleet of 26 modern ships comprises bulk carriers, container ships, liquid petroleum gas tankers...
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White Barn Inn achieves multiple stars in first Forbes Travel Awards
The Forbes Travel Guide, formerly the Mobil Travel Guide, has honored Maine's Relais and Châteaux White Barn Inn with multiple star ratings for its hotel, spa and restaurant. The hotel and spa each received four stars while the White Barn Restaurant is one of only 21 in the USA to have received five star status. The White Barn Inn provides the USA's only...
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Panama’s Plaza Agora Transistmica Joined the Portfolio
FCA Group has acquired the Plaza Agora Transistmica and Plaza Agora Chanis business centres in Panama City to its commercial property portfolio. These two strategic investments strengthen FCA’s offering to large companies looking for a major single-site corporate facility...
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Eight new rooms including flagship suite signal summer at Santorini Grace
Grace Hotels unveils what it believes to be the largest hotel suite on Santorini’s Caldera and a further seven new rooms at luxury boutique hotel Grace Santorini – just in time for the summer peak season. A new infinity pool with stunning aerial views has also been added. This sister hotel to the award-winning Mykonos Grace, now comprises a total of 17 distinguished rooms...
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Libra Group Appoints John Negroponte as Senior Advisor to Libra Board of Directors
In July 2009 Hon. John Negroponte, formerly US Deputy Secretary of State, Director of National Intelligence and Ambassador to the United Nations was appointed as Senior Advisor to the Libra Board of Directors...
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National Geographic Channels International Co-Produces First Ascent With Shankly Productions
National Geographic Channels International has announced the co-production of the six-part series First Ascent with Shankly Productions. Filmed in HD, each of the 30-minute episodes will follow top-level adventure athletes as they attempt some of the most daring...
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LCI Orders 20 Bombardier CSeries Jetliners
Lease Corporation International (LCI) announced today that it has signed a firm agreement with Bombardier Aerospace for the purchase of three CS100 and 17 CS300 jetliners. LCI, which also took options on a further 20 CSeries aircraft, is a...
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LCI purchases new Airbus and Boeing aircraft
LCI has purchased 12 new Airbus and Boeing aircraft to enhance its fleet. The latest additions to the portfolio comprise 11 Airbus A330-300s and a further Boeing 777-300. The fleet has been increasing rapidly in recent months and this further acquisition boosts LCI’s reputation for swift transaction management and asset finance capability along with its standing in...
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Belgravia Land & Development Presents Optima Business Park in Argentina
Optima Business Park has been debuted by Belgravia Land & Development, the property investment division of First South American Investments. Located on the Autopista de Sol, Vicente López...
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Bangkok Real Estate
The recent launch of Belgravia Residences, the latest prestigious residential property in Bangkok offers an excellent combination of a prime location in downtown Bangkok, spacious grand living in an exclusive, private enclave of only 48 units and...
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Grace Hotels Opens Grace Santorini
The latest destination for award-winning Grace Hotels Group is the romantic Mediterranean island of Santorini. Grace Santorini is the latest hotel to be opened by the Mediterranean's newest exclusive boutique hotel group, Grace Hotels...
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LCI Expands Asia-Pacific Presence
Lease Corporation International (LCI) has announced the opening of a Singapore office through the formation of a new Singapore based aircraft lessor. Singapore Commercial Leasing Pte Ltd will represent LCI and support its business development in...
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US Hotels Announces Acquisition Of Windham Hill Inn In Southern Vermont
US Hotels, an exclusive privately owned group of hotels providing select accommodation, cuisine, and service, has announced the acquisition of Windham Hill Inn, an intimate and charming country inn set on 160 private acres in West Townsend, Vermont. The 21-room inn, which first opened in 1962, joins U.S. Hotels' collection of hotels and restaurants in New...
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Further units at landmark buildings Torre Global and Ph Plaza 54, acquired
Following the official opening of its headquarters in September in Panama City’s prestigious Torre Global, FCA Group has now completed its third acquisition in this landmark property. Current holdings include units on the 39th and 13th floors...
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$1bn Aircraft Fleet Sale Triggers Acquisition Program for LCI
Lease Corporation International (LCI), the global aircraft leasing company, has today announced a fleet renewal program and has committed to acquire new aircraft worth around $750 million at list prices...
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Grace Mykonos, European Hotel Design Awards
The newly opened Grace Mykonos Hotel (www.mykonosgrace.com) has won a prestigious Hotel Design of the Year Award at this year's European Hotel Design Awards at a ceremony held in London's InterContinental Park Lane Hotel. The luxury boutique hotel...
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New division breaks into renewable energy with Solar Parks
Libra Group has entered the renewable energy sector with the foundation of a new company, EuroEnergy. Established to increase the contribution of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) to the traditional energy mix...
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