Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) began analyzing an investment in the Swiss School for Tourism and Hospitality (SSTH) in January 2013, which has now passed into an agreement to purchase a 75% stake in SSTH. The umbrella organization of hotelleriesuisse holds a minority stake in the capital of the school. This acquisition will thus enable EHL and hotelleriesuisse to integrate the vocational training and education program to create a unique opportunity for students enrolling at the SSTH.EHL has further made a strategic move by establishing a strong link in German-speaking Switzerland, thereby strengthening its presence and position as a leader. Michel Rochat, General Director of EHL ascertains that, "in order to be recognized and to be the best in its field, a school must be strongly rooted in its economic and social environment," a sentiment reflected in the transaction. Rochat intends to develop the relationship with entities in the region, as the cradle of the leisure hotel industry.
