30 years' experience as a major ship owning and management group. Sold 67 vessels during shipping boom of 2005.

In 2004 undertook major diversification into real estate, construction, aircraft leasing, hospitality and private equity.

Within three years of its formation in 2004 Lease Corporation International (LCI) became the world's largest privately owned aircraft lessor.  Since its inception LCI has acquired modern commercial aircraft valued at $2.5 billion.

In 2004 identified significant real estate and hospitality sector growth opportunities in South America. Created First South American Investments (FSA), a holding company now comprising real estate development, construction, hospitality investment, infrastructure investment and real estate brokerage subsidiaries.

Within two years of its formation FSA's real estate subsidiary became one of the largest privately owned property developers in Argentina.

2007 saw major expansion of First Mediterranean Investments (FMI) , a holding company comprising hospitality, energy and real estate subsidiaries. During the year FMI committed to investments totalling close to $800 million.

In 2007 launched Grace Hotels Group, an owned and managed chain of luxury boutique hotels. The Mykonos Grace opened to critical acclaim and won European Hotel Design of the Year Award 2007. The Santorini Grace opened in summer 2008 and there are several other Grace hotels under development and scheduled for opening from 2009. The group is developing Greece's first branded hotel and private residences complexes.

Created joint venture company focused on Central European real estate. In its first year the company has completed multiple large scale transactions in Germany including major redevelopment projects.

2007 - Major expansion of hospitality interests with agreement to construct and own luxury hotels including the St. Regis Buenos Aires - the first branded hotel and residences complex in South America - and the Park Hyatt Koh Samui hotel and residences complex.

Through its subsidiary, US Hotels, purchased collection of hotels, real estate, restaurants, spa and banqueting facilities as well as an exclusive marina in New England's Kennebunkport resort. Includes the acclaimed White Barn Inn Relais and Chateau restaurant and luxury lodging. In Q1 2008 acquired 160 acre Windham Hill Inn hotel and restaurant in Southern Vermont.

2006 saw an energetic investment programme in Central America with the launch of First Central America. The company has already completed 12 deals with an initial focus on prime commercial real estate. Blue chip tenants include Sony Ericsson, Credit Suisse, Amex and foreign Embassies.

From a standing start in 2004 used local market insight to build strategic investment portfolio in Southeast Asia. Major property disposal followed Singapore property boom. Transactions have exceeded $300 million since inception. Local subsidiary First Oriental now developing luxury new-build apartments in heart of Bangkok.

In 2006 created a specialist infrastructure investment company focused on ownership and development opportunities at ports and waterfront facilities, especially those undergoing regeneration.