MORE than 2,000 workers in Kent face an uncertain Christmas after Saga chairman Roger De Haan surprised everyone by announcing he is to step down and sell the business.

Options for the sale, which could involve venture capitalists or stock market flotation, could raise £1 billion for the De Haan family.

Mr De Haan, 55, is to hand over the reins to his deputy Andrew Goodsell in the New Year.

He said: “It is with considerable sadness that I made my decision. I am Saga’s longest serving employee and it has been a big part of my life.

“I’ve been spending less than half of my time on Saga, the rest of the time has been spent on various regeneration projects. Saga has grown and its prospects are very good and it seems an ideal time.”

Peter Hobbs, chief executive of the Shepway Chamber of Commerce and Industry, admitted he had to climb back onto his chair after learning the news of the sale.

But despite the shock, the ensuing changes should be viewed as a challenge and not a risk, he said.

“We all know Roger De Haan the man, his commitment to the community of Folkestone and his passion for the arts and culture. If the sale goes through, that will not change.

“What we will have is a fantastic champion with considerable wealth and more time and energy to devote to the regeneration of the town. It is a win-win situation.

“Being around the same age, I understand he does not want to bash his head in the business sense forever.

“Concern will surround the future of the 2,500 Saga staff, but they and associated businesses should be reassured that Roger and his team have put a fabulous unique company together whose strength and value is its workforce.

“Nothing is ever forever. This is a new opportunity.”

Rob Woods, Folkestone’s town centre manager, described Roger De Haan’s retirement and the sale of Saga as “a sad loss”.

Mr Woods said: “Roger has done a tremendous amount for the town. He’s been a real ambassador for Folkestone. He has helped us not only in financial ways, but in many other ways too.

“I hope whoever takes over Saga is still able to give as much support to the community as Roger has been able to.”

Saga, the over-50s holidays and financial services company, is one of Kent’s few Blue Chip companies.

It was founded in 1951 by Sidney De Haan and has grown into a world leader, employing 2,100 people in Folkestone and a further 400 at a new call centre in Thanet.

It was one of the first companies to spot the power of the “grey pound” and has proved adept at tapping into the needs and wallets of older people.