Swiss firm decides not to pursue Just For Laughs purchase

A Swiss-based firm thought to be a front-running candidate to buyJust For Laughs has decided not to pursue the purchase of the Montreal-based company.

GrgoireFurrer, founder and owner of GF Productions, said in a statement Monday he believes the companyshould remain Quebec owned.

GilbertRozon, the founder of Just for Laughs, announced earlier this fall he would sell all his shares amid allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Just For Laughs hired RBC Capital Markets to examine options surrounding the sale of Rozon's stake in the company.

GF Productions has operated for 28 years and Furrer is producer of the Montreux Comedy Festival in Switzerland.

A number of other groups have expressed interest in the festival, includingComediHa!, a Quebec City-based agency founded by Sylvain Parent-Bedard that has offices in Montreal and Hollywood.