Swiss Festival Producer Contemplating Just For Laughs Buy

Grégoire Furrer of Montreux Comedy Festival Switzerland is contemplating to buy the majority stake in Canada’s Just For Laughs festival off of its founder, who was forced to sell after facing allegations of sexual assault.  

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Gilbert Rozon stepped down as head of Canada’s Just For Laughs festival, after nine women reportedly accused him of sexual assault. He’s now looking to sell his majority stake in JPR Group, which is based in Quebec and owns the event.

Potential buyers include local competitor ComediHa, Canadian entrepreneurs Alexandre Taillefer and Francois Lambert, as well as Grégoire Furrer, the producer of Switzerland’s Montreux Comedy Festival. 

The majority of the Swiss municipality Montreux speaks French, just like the majority in Quebec. Furrer told Radio Canada that the local comedy scene would profit from the transaction and assured listeners that Just For Laughs wouldn’t lose its original character.

He added that he was looking for a strategic and financial partner. Furrer confirmed his interest in the Swiss press.