Founded in 1912 by François André, the Group has grown over the years under the successive stewardships of Lucien Barrière, Diane Barrière-Desseigne and Dominique Desseigne to become France’s leading casino operator, a standard-setter in the luxury hotel sector and a global player in the leisure and entertainment sectors. Barrière has designed unrivalled offers in the field of high-end leisure, founded on a commitment to operational excellence, service quality and French art de vivre. The Group today operates 33 Casinos Barrière (including one opening soon in Abidjan), 16 Hôtels Barrière (a majority are 5-star, including one under construction in Courchevel ) and more than 120 restaurants and bars, including the famous Fouquet’s in Paris (with branches in Marrakesh, Cannes, Toulouse and La Baule). It also stages more than 3000 shows and events every year. With more than 6000 employees, the Group posted earnings of €1.21 bn for the financial year to 31st October 2015. Barrière has an excellent reputation in the catering industry and serves more than 2 million meals each year. With twelve spas (in Cannes, Courchevel, Deauville, Dinard, Enghien-les-Bains, La Baule, Lille, Marrakech, Paris and Ribeauvillé), one thalassotherapy centre in La Baule, one balneotherapy centre in Ribeauvillé, three golf and two tennis clubs (with more than 32 clay courts), Barrière is also an established name in the well-being and sport sector. The Group is well known for its chain of resorts located in internationally-renowned tourist destinations.