two-way legal battle with Geneva-based Barons Financial Services (BFS).

BFS is suing Mr. Sommer for the equivalent of more than $73,000 for allegedly unpaid corporate financial advice. But Mr. Sommer has brought his own lawsuit against BFS and is seeking damages of 1 million ($1.48 million).

He has accused the company of bungling a business plan for a new $6 million 18-hole golf course at The Springs Hotel, in England, which he owns.

"This company has failed to deliver a business plan,'' Mr. Sommer said last night from Paris, where he is on a business trip.

"The delay in the construction of the course has cost me close to 1 million.'' Part of Mr. Sommer's action includes an allegation of defamation against BFS' managing director Mr. Eric Kohn.

BFS is seeking three separate amounts of $30,000, 28,000 ($41,440 at current exchange rate) and 1,539 ($2,277).

Mr. Kohn told The Royal Gazette : "It's very unfortunate but the client had indicated that he was going to pay on several occasions. But, when he returned to Bermuda, he did not come up with the money.

"I believe we fulfilled our obligations and carried out more than our mandate. The client will no doubt say we did not.'' BFS originally filed its action in Bermuda Supreme Court but the matter has been switched to the High Court in London.

BFS was hired by one of Mr. Sommer's UK holdings companies, Xanadu Investments, to advise on the construction of a championship golf course on 150 acres of land at The Springs Hotel, which nestles beside the River Thames in Oxfordshire.

The 6,035-metre golf course was originally due to have opened in August/September of 1994 but construction has been delayed, partly due to difficulties obtaining financing.

Work is not expected to get underway until March, 1994, at the earliest. The court case in London is expected to be heard early in the New Year.

Mr. Walter Sommer.