ROME, June 10 (Reuters) - Peter Kern, the former chief

executive of U.S. travel technology company Expedia ( EXPE ), will buy

troubled Italian luxury lingerie company La Perla, Italy's

industry minister said on Tuesday.

Kern, through his luxury holding LLC, has submitted the best

offer for the firm, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said at a

meeting with trade unions and the future new ownership.

Kern has committed to invest around 30 million euros

($34.31 million) by 2027 and to relaunch La Perla's production

site in the northern city of Bologna, Urso said in a statement.

The industrial plan presented by Kern provides for the

maintenance of employment levels - around 210 people - and about

forty new hires, the minister said.

($1 = 0.8745 euros)