Liverpool Takeover

[homer jay]

post your rumours here. the today fm lads were saying on saturday it was gillette who were taking over

LFC on brink of £450m takeover

Dec 4 2006
By Ian Doyle Chief Football Correspondent, Daily Post


LIVERPOOL Football Club is poised to fall into foreign ownership after a firm owned by the government of Dubai offered £450m to take over at Anfield.

Dubai International Capital - the international investment arm of Dubai governmentowned Dubai Holdings - is on the brink of signing a deal which will ensure the new stadium at Stanley Park goes ahead.

The company, which also owns Madame Tussauds and the London Eye attractions in the capital, is expected to begin a period of due diligence this week, after being granted access to Liverpool's accounts.

And if DIC, run by chief executive Sameer Al Ansari (pictured), choose to proceed with the deal, a takeover could be completed in the next few weeks.

The company is ultimately owned by the billionaire rulers of Dubai, the Al Maktoum family, best known in sport for their ownership of the Godolphin racing stable. With costs for the new 60,000-capacity stadium expected to reach £250m, and Liverpool currently £80m in debt, the deal values the club at around £170m. It is not clear how much money would be immediately available to manager Rafael Benitez for any transfer dealings.

David Moores, who holds a 51% stake in the club, would relinquish control of Liverpool but retain some shares, and is likely to stay on as chairman, extending his family's 50-year association with Anfield.

It is also understood Rick Parry would continue in his post of chief executive.

Mr Al Ansari is a keen Liverpool fan, but that probably won't be enough to arrest growing concern in football about the growing number of foreign buyouts of Premiership clubs.

Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa and West Ham are all controlled by foreign investors - but the possibility of Liverpool being added to that list did not seem to concern fans last night.

Richie Pedder, of the Liverpool FC Supporters Club, said a buy-out was "inevitable" for Liverpool to remain competitive.

He said: "I think it's got to happen. We need more money coming into Liverpool, and if this is the only way then it has to happen."

Liverpool have spent three years looking for investment, but no previous offers have advanced as far as the Dubai deal.

Liverpool are thought to have rejected a similar £450m bid from American multi-millionaire George Gillett Jnr, as well as up to three other rival offers.

Investors from Ireland, Scandinavia, Spain and Thailand have shown interest in a takeover in the past, but none produced a package that persuaded Moores to hand over control of the club.

There was no comment from the club last night.

http://icliverpool.icnetwor k.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_headline=lfc-on-brink-of-%2D450m-takeover%26method=fu ll%26objectid=182041 83%26siteid=50061-name_page.html

[Philby]

The Dubai rumour looks promising. Would be interesting to see what the proposed deal looks like but it looks daycent enough if we can get the stadium paid for, debts cleared & put some money in Rafa's pocket to buy shiny new brazilians with fancy names & worse haircuts. Would be happy enough to keep Moores involved as he is a genuine fan and is one of the only people at the to retain the trademark late 70's tache.

Many people will have concerns about opening up the club to foreign investment & whoever the new owners are will need to be wise to this. Most fans would be in favour of keeping many of the structures and off field personnel the same with perhaps a more aggressive stance taken on merchandising on a global scale.

Ideally the club would stay in the hands of the Moores family for decades to come but if Liverpool are to compete with the best domestically & in Europe a cash injection to fund the new stadium & future transfers simply has to happen. Rafa can't keep working miracles with one hand tied behind his back.

[KolaKubes]

Another sad day for English football if Liverpool go into foreign hands.

Interesting the valuation of the club. £650 million? Christ, wouldn't have thought that much.

At best, I hope it's a measured investment these guys are talking about. No harm having more competition in the EPL but if it's going to be about tossing about cash Chelsea-style, another step in the wrong direction.

The mooted EU regulations on club's spending on wages and transfer fees can't come in fast enough.

[homer jay]

£450m

[Sound]

fuck off.

Interesting point. I never thought of it like that before.

[KolaKubes]

fuck off.

Someone's gotten a little giddy after the vincibles win at the weekend.

I'm sure you'll be much quieter this day week after Chelsea arse-rape ye.

[STEVIEG]

I hope he spends the money better than this summer

although at least he isn't gonna over-spend for a Chelsea player

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=43286 0&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Benitez+rules+ out+SWP+move

And, Lucy, Arsenal deserved to win at OT, but certainly didn't play anyone off the pitch

[homer jay]

I hope he spends the money better than this summer

i think he had to settle for a few second choice players, pennant is definitely one anyway. we'll have to wait and see if the takeover goes ahead, and then whether rafa gets the bucks he wants.

[KolaKubes]

no i havent tosser....were were all my comments after a shit arsenal team played ye off the pitch at old trafford?

ffs mockery.

Agreed about the shit Arsenal team. Alas, on the day, we were even shitter.

What I'm wondering though is, just how many times do Arsenal have to fuck up before it dawns on people that, overall, they're not really very good?

The biggest bunch of whining gobshites about and that's just Arsenal's fans.

[Sound]

I, for one, embrace our new Arab overlords.

Durka, durka.

Etc.

[KolaKubes]

I, for one, embrace our new Arab overlords.

Durka, durka.

Etc.

Will this see a return to the halcyon days of trophy success and facial hair?

[Sound]

Will this see a return to the halcyon days of trophy success and facial hair?

That's why we need to keep Moores in some capacity. His porn star moustache is a reminder of league winning days.

[homer jay]

Will this see a return to the halcyon days of trophy success and facial hair?

it'll be tough competing with the likes of aston villa and west ham in the trophy stakes.

[Philby]

Looks like it's a step closer to happening. The interesting thing to watch here is the nature of the proposed transaction with a key focus on who retains controlling of the club.

Does anyone else foresee a plethora of DIC jokes ahead in the likes of The Fiver?

Liverpool have confirmed exclusive talks are taking place with Dubai International Capital (DIC) about a possible takeover of the club.
DIC, the investment arm of Dubai's government, is thought to be nearing a buy-out of the club worth £450m.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "This is the latest step on the road of finding the long-term investment that the club needs."

DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari said: "We hope we can agree a deal."

Al-Ansari, whose firm has begun to examine the club accounts, added: "Liverpool's investment requirements are well publicised.

"Hopefully this will provide us with the opportunity to fund its needs both on and off the pitch."

The proposed deal is expected to include £200m to build a new 60,000-capacity stadium.

Parry added: "This is very important in terms of the proposed new stadium, which is key to plans for the regeneration of the local community.

"On the pitch, Liverpool remains focused on winning and, here again, this is all about doing a deal that gives us the long-term resources to do that."

The due diligence process has begun, giving DIC exclusive rights to study the accounts of Liverpool with a view to finalising a deal.

Liverpool chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry stayed behind in Liverpool while the team flew to Istanbul for Tuesday's Champions League match against Galatasaray.

However, the deal is not expected to be concluded until the new year.

DIC owns the Madame Tussauds Group and the Travelodge hotel chain as well as one third of the London Eye.

The company is an investment arm of Dubai Holding, which is owned by Dubai Crown Prince and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Mohammed, whose family is internationally renowned for its running of the Godolphin horse racing stables, is the world's fifth richest man.

Liverpool have been linked with other takeover bids in recent years.

In 2005, American billionaire Robert Kraft - owner of the New England Patriots NFL team - was linked with a bid for the club.

And in 2004 Thaksin Shinawatra, then Prime Minister of Thailand, made a high-profile bid to take control of the club.

The takeover news will concern those worried about the number of Premiership clubs currently in the hands of foreign owners

[west cork rebel]

Liverpool to be taken over by Dubai International Capital??

Do Biy!

[KolaKubes]

Looks like it's a step closer to happening. The interesting thing to watch here is the nature of the proposed transaction with a key focus on who retains controlling of the club.

Does anyone else foresee a plethora of DIC jokes ahead in the likes of The Fiver?

Are any of the Pool fans on here just a little bit disappointed about the prospect of becoming a sugar daddy club a la Chelsea?

Not being smart. This argument has raged amongst Utd fans since the Glazer takeover, there being a school of thought that we might be "saved" by the likes of Makhtoun.

Personally, I quite like the idea of Utd spending their own money and what success they have is off their and their fans back and was glad to see the sentiment was largely shared, as dire as our debt levels are right now.

[homer jay]

Are any of the Pool fans on here just a little bit disappointed about the prospect of becoming a sugar daddy club a la Chelsea?

Not being smart. This argument has raged amongst Utd fans since the Glazer takeover, there being a school of thought that we might be "saved" by the likes of Makhtoun.

Personally, I quite like the idea of Utd spending their own money and what success they have is off their and their fans back and was glad to see the sentiment was largely shared, as dire as our debt levels are right now.

its definitely going to lose some of the family feel to the club. hopefully moores and parry can stay on in their roles. it should be a priority to have someone how has the club in their heart in charge. i don't have any inside info, but if its true that moores and parry have been 'looking' at this lot for 3 years, and seem ready to deal, it shows they want the club to be in the right hands. i suppose they'll just have to be trusted to get it right.

as for being the next sugar daddy. liverpool can't compete financially with utd, chelsea, and, maybe villa and pompey soon enough. this had to come in that respect or liverpool would languish. but it also adds to the 'rich get richer' philosophy in football. sad as it is, the days of small clubs competing are long long gone.

i'd prefer if they stayed at anfield. new stadiums are over hyped imo. you don't need to sell your soul just for an extra 10,000 people at the games every 2 weeks, not if you have a guy bankrolling you. you can't beat an atmosphere at a ground as unique as anfield. the generic modern style stadium, just further emphasises the corporate side of the game. maybe staying at anfield would hold onto some of the family feel of the club.

[KolaKubes]

its definitely going to lose some of the family feel to the club. hopefully moores and parry can stay on in their roles. it should be a priority to have someone how has the club in their heart in charge. i don't have any inside info, but if its true that moores and parry have been 'looking' at this lot for 3 years, and seem ready to deal, it shows they want the club to be in the right hands. i suppose they'll just have to be trusted to get it right.

as for being the next sugar daddy. liverpool can't compete financially with utd, chelsea, and, maybe villa and pompey soon enough. this had to come in that respect or liverpool would languish. but it also adds to the 'rich get richer' philosophy in football. sad as it is, the days of small clubs competing are long long gone.

i'd prefer if they stayed at anfield. new stadiums are over hyped imo. you don't need to sell your soul just for an extra 10,000 people at the games every 2 weeks, not if you have a guy bankrolling you. you can't beat an atmosphere at a ground as unique as anfield. the generic modern style stadium, just further emphasises the corporate side of the game. maybe staying at anfield would hold onto some of the family feel of the club.

At the moment, Liverpool are a football club I respect for their history and the roots they have in their own city and with the generations of people who've supported them. I certainly don't like them but I respect them.

As they head down the road of being owned by self-aggrandising billionaires, that respect will dissipate markedly.

Utd have tossed around cash, bullying clubs to an extent in the past but at least the fact we'd to generate it from everyday things like match-going fans but some limits on it. The cash Utd had to spend wasn't in a different galaxy to the likes of Fulham, city, Everton etc. and that helped give those clubs a sniff.

Like any Utd fan, I'd like us to be winning the title season in season out but the taste is a lot sweeter when it has the semblance of a sporting competition not some F1-esque money contest.

[nawfullanger]

i hope that Sheikh Mo puts John Ferguson in charge of buying new players at Anfield. With any bit of luck he will make the same pigs ears of that as he makes of buying horses. if Sheikh Mo's past record is anything to go by Liverpool should dominate the over 35 league from now now and they will win every two bit trophy in places that nobody ever heard of.

[nawfullanger]

http://www.thoroughbredphot o.com/library/thumbnails/FRANKIEDthumb.jpg

Liverpools new striker shows his delight at scoring the winning goal in the Zenith Data Systems Cup final.

[KolaKubes]

Surely this should be Liverpool's first signing

http://bigjet.free.fr/photos/album/Wallpapers/Ruud%20Van%20Nistelr ooy/rvn101.jpg

[Sound]

I would prefer Barca's mister horse features.

[Rebelred]

so will the new stadium be at Aintree?

[nawfullanger]

http://www.puralife.co.uk/images/dion_dublin1_cropped .jpg

with an eye to future stud value, Sheikh Mo reveals his first signing.

[anmadrarua]

http://soccernet-att.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20060701/coppell_rh.jpg

the new liverpool manager encourages his string of thoroughbred footballers to greater glory.

[Philby]

How the parties met - The Guardian

Liverpool might concede that the miracle of Istanbul and their team's comeback against Milan 19 months ago was not confined to the pitch at the Ataturk Stadium. The club's chief executive, Rick Parry, had arranged for a friend to attend the Champions League final only for him to pull out and pass on the tickets to Sameer al-Ansari. The Kuwaiti-born, British-educated chief executive of Dubai International Capital watched the victory on penalties and then sounded out Parry about investment in the club.

Al-Ansari has been CEO of DIC since its inception in October 2004. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and has been a Liverpool supporter for 32 years, taking his sons to Anfield every August.

[Philby]

Rick Parry - "We are not going to be absolute muppets like Chelsea"

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry insists the club will not become a "rich man's plaything" if the prospective takeover by Dubai International Capital (DIC) goes through.
The firm, an investment company for Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed, is still working through the club's accounts but is expected to make a formal offer for Liverpool worth around £450million.
The Sheikh is reckoned to be the fifth richest person in the world with a fortune that dwarfs even the wealth of Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, but Parry insists the takeover will not see Liverpool indulging in profligate spending.
He insists the takeover, which would include funding for a new stadium, can secure Liverpool's position among the elite for the next century.
Parry told the Liverpool FCmagazine published today: "We are focused on success but we want a club that will not be ludicrously profligate. It is not just about throwing money at a challenge, that is not a sound long-term strategy.
"It is definitely not about being a rich man's plaything. It is about taking Liverpool FC to the next level and securing the future of the club for the next hundred years."
Parry, who is expected to keep his position with DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari possibly becoming chairman, said the aim would be for Liverpool to use the investment to run the club as a successful company and take advantage of their international fanbase.
"At the same time it is choosing the right partner, it is paramount to ensure that such a partner understands the values and heritage of the club and respects them," said Parry.
"The most important aspect of our heritage is success and winning trophies. That is the thing that matters most to everyone who follows Liverpool and that will always remain the focus."
Parry insisted that suggestions the takeover was already "a done deal" were exaggerated, but admitted he was excited at the possibilities.
He added: "We always look forward with a focus on the challenges ahead, not least the new stadium and the need to get on with that rapidly.
"Detailed negotiations continue, and we are clearly very excited to have reached this stage because discussions have been going on for a long time."
Parry confirmed that should the takeover go through current chairman David Moores would be give some kind of boardroom role.
A DIC source said: "We are very much in agreement with Rick Parry's remarks. If we do a deal we would aim to have a long-term relationship with Liverpool. We will get the stadium built and help the club move on to the next level."

http://www.ireland.com/sports/soccer/2006/1213/1165222014679.html

[Philby]

The noises Gerrard is making would make it sound like a deal is quite close to being brokered.

How excited are you about what the future holds for Liverpool?

SG - I think the future is bright. There has been a lot of talk in the media of late about the takeover and I've been fortunate enough to meet with the people who are going to be taking over the club. I'm very excited. They assured me and the rest of the players that the club is going to be in safe hands and that the future is going to be really bright.

Did they make it clear they were viewing this takeover with a long term vision?

SG - Yes, definitely, and that was one of the most important things. The first thing they said was they were very interested in making sure the future was bright and that the club was going to be very successful on and off the pitch. That's what we wanted to hear.

The fans are very excited about this takeover talk - is it the same for the players?

SG - Yes. I think the players share the same feelings as the fans. We want to be really successful. The fans have been reading the same things as I've been reading and so they've got every right to be excited. Having met them, I'm even more excited now because I've heard their thoughts face to face.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N154394061213-1746.htm

[Edmund Blackwater]

I've heard their thoughts face to face.


Must be psychic, the lad.

[Philby]

Anfield power change closer
By JOHN EDWARDS - Daily Mail

Last updated at 22:34pm on 4th January 2007

Liverpool moved a step nearer a change of ownership yesterday after an Anfield board meeting to discuss a proposed takeover by investment group Dubai International Capital.

Members of DIC flew to Merseyside to discuss final details of the deal, amid suggestions that chairman David Moores may retain some of his shares or that a third party may be invited to supplement the Dubai group's massive investment.

The DIC contingent will remain in the area until after the weekend, when they hope to be able to announce that agreement has been reached for a power shift that would finance a new stadium at nearby Stanley Park and provide extra transfer funds for manager Rafa Benitez.

Liverpool are waiting for a response from Blackburn, after offering them Stephen Warnock in a straight swop for Lucas Neill, but fear complications over Javier Mascherano's availability may scupper their hopes of signing the Argentina midfielder from West Ham.

Benitez has come under fire from former Liverpool midfielder and coach Sammy Lee over his claims that Bolton are a route one side who place undue pressure on referees.

Currently assistant to manager Sam Allardyce at Bolton, Lee hit back by saying: "We respect other people's opinion and how other clubs play, but we would just hope that they would grant us the same respect.

"Rafa Benitez's comments were particularly scathing. They were hurtful and very disappointing, but what can you do? There is a misconception about Bolton, and it has gone on for a long time.

"When people criticise us, I take it as a slight on myself because I am part of what Sam is trying to achieve here."

[xvis]

DIC heads are close to launching a Liverpool takeover according to chief executive Rick Parry..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6260399.stm

Takeover of Liverpool 'imminent'

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry says he expects the club's takeover by Dubai International Capital to be completed "relatively quickly".

"A huge amount of work has been going on, we'll have something to say soon," he told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek.

"Yes, the deal is looking positive and yes, I'm confident it will go through. This will take us to the next level.

[st finnbar]

DIC heads are close to launching a Liverpool takeover according to chief executive Rick Parry..

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6260399.stm

liverpool have been run by dickheads for years,whats new here:mrgreen:

[xvis]

liverpool have been run by dickheads for years,whats new here:mrgreen:


is there any truth in the rumours they're insisting that purple helmets are included into the club strip before they'll sign up for the takeover?

:cry:

[st finnbar]

is there any truth in the rumours they're insisting that purple helmets are included into the club strip before they'll sign up for the takeover?

:cry:

they can get a veil for gerrads wife, so no scally drug dealers come sniffing after her:vamp:

[homer jay]

we have an early contender for the idiot of the year award

[Philby]

LFC still waiting for new owners Jan 17 2007


Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co. uk/upl/icliverpool/dec2003/7/8/0008D29D-DB6B-1FE2-BF4D80BFB6FA0000.jpg
THE takeover of Liverpool FC remains on course but is not expected to be completed until the end of the month or even early February.
The inspection of the club's accounts by potential new owners Dubai International Capital (DIC) is continuing but Liverpool's directors have put off any idea of holding a board meeting until closer to the actual handover.
The due diligence process is now expected to be completed around the end of the month, meaning that the budget for any new signings for Rafael Benitez's side during the transfer window will have to be independent of any DIC cash.
Liverpool decided against holding a board meeting yesterday and will wait until DIC have virtually completed the due diligence process before the directors get together to discuss the £450m takeover again.


A source close to the club said: "Due diligence is continuing and going very well but no formal offer can be made until that is completed.

"Everything is on track and everyone is working towards completing the process by the end of the month.

"Speculation that a board meeting was being held today to finalise matters is inaccurate."

DIC, an investment arm of Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, are pressing ahead with the takeover but inactivity over the Christmas period and the complicated nature of the deal, which includes funding a brand new stadium, means the due diligence is taking considerably longer than expected.

A DIC source said last night: "We are aware of the huge amount of interest in this, and the need to keep everybody informed.

"When we have got any announcement to make, we will do so."

[Edmund Blackwater]

If I was a Liverpool fan, I'd be very worried that all the positive noises for this deal are coming from the current club owners and very little are coming from the porential investors.

[ho chi feen]

I hear Mahmoud Ahmedinijad is interested.

What about the former Thai PM? Not like he's got a lot on his hands or anything like that.

Or even the emir of Djobouti.

[KolaKubes]

I hear Mahmoud Ahmedinijad is interested.

What about the former Thai PM? Not like he's got a lot on his hands or anything like that.

Or even the emir of Djobouti.


The sad bit is I don't think fans care about such trivialities of where the cash is coming from.

[shammy feen]

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry insists the club will not become a "rich man's plaything" if the prospective takeover by Dubai International Capital (DIC) goes through.


What a crock of hypocritical bluster and bullshit. Liverpool get taken over by a billionaire and its a great business deal. Chelsea get taken over by a billionaire and its the death of football as we know it. Rick Parrys statement is just spin.

[Philby]

What a crock of hypocritical bluster and bullshit. Liverpool get taken over by a billionaire and its a great business deal. Chelsea get taken over by a billionaire and its the death of football as we know it. Rick Parrys statement is just spin.

You may be right but only time will tell. If Liverpool continue to conduct their business in a financially prudent manner (i.e. actually making a profit) unlike Chelsea then his comments will have been justified.

DIC's main investment will likely be in the building of a new stadium which has obvious enough future revenue streams. Lashing out £30m on ageing, non-scoring, 2nd choice striker isn't something that is particularly financially prudent.

[KolaKubes]

What a crock of hypocritical bluster and bullshit. Liverpool get taken over by a billionaire and its a great business deal. Chelsea get taken over by a billionaire and its the death of football as we know it. Rick Parrys statement is just spin.

For once we agree Shammy, this is complete hypocrisy. Would you expect anything less, however?

[KolaKubes]

You may be right but only time will tell. If Liverpool continue to conduct their business in a financially prudent manner (i.e. actually making a profit) unlike Chelsea then his comments will have been justified.

DIC's main investment will likely be in the building of a new stadium which has obvious enough future revenue streams. Lashing out £30m on ageing, non-scoring, 2nd choice striker isn't something that is particularly financially prudent.

I reckon that DIC will have to conduct their business in such a manner anyway, the EU will be moving soon to curb club's spending.

Though I reckon this takeover is more in the Glazer realm than the Abramovich realm by the sounds of it.

[Edmund Blackwater]

For once we agree Shammy, this is complete hypocrisy. Would you expect anything less, however?

To be fair to the Liverpool board, from what I've read anyway, they've turned down several bids which they didn't see as being advantageous to the future of the club.
Essentially, you're right but only if this crowd spend a shedload of money not expecting any back...which if Godolphin is anything to go by, they won't.

How are manyoo getting on with their tuppeny hapenny, struggling to survive new owner?

[Philby]

Classic. You accuse Parry of hypocrisy and then within 1 minute you post two comments which totally contradict eachother.

Either Liverpool will be run as a non-prudent, rich man's plaything or it won't...which is it?

11:38am - For once we agree Shammy, this is complete hypocrisy. Would you expect anything less, however?

11:39am - I reckon that DIC will have to conduct their business in such a manner anyway, the EU will be moving soon to curb club's spending.

Though I reckon this takeover is more in the Glazer realm than the Abramovich realm by the sounds of it.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Classic. You accuse Parry of hypocrisy and then within 1 minute you post two comments which totally contradict eachother.

Either Liverpool will be run as a non-prudent, rich man's plaything or it won't...which is it?

11:38am -

11:39am -

He thought he was logged in as langer dan the second time.

[Lamps]

Classic. You accuse Parry of hypocrisy and then within 1 minute you post two comments which totally contradict eachother.

Either Liverpool will be run as a non-prudent, rich man's plaything or it won't...which is it?

11:38am -

11:39am -

nice work

[KolaKubes]

Classic. You accuse Parry of hypocrisy and then within 1 minute you post two comments which totally contradict eachother.

Either Liverpool will be run as a non-prudent, rich man's plaything or it won't...which is it?

11:38am -

11:39am -

Well, I was agreeing with Shammyfeen that the glee with which the takeover is being greeted by some who not 12 months ago would have been blathering on about the evils of Chelsea is not a little hypocritical.

What I think will happen is that the EU are about to curb spending on wages across the board, lowering costs in a league which has just signed at £625 million deal for overseas TV rights.

In practice, DIC will end up running Liverpool within the same limits as currently and can put their cash into new revenue generating facilities like a stadium.

This is why all these foreign businessmen are jumping on the Premiership bandwagon, in anticipation of big improvements in the profit margins and the value of their investment going up.

[homer jay]

meant to post this earlier

American tycoon George Gillet has joined the race to buy Liverpool, according to reports, and values the club at £172million.

Gillet, a billionaire who owns the Montreal Canadians ice hockey club, is reportedly preparing to offer £5,000 per share.

He had an initial bid for the club rejected by chairman David Moores, who subsequently accepted a bid from Dubai International Capital.

However, that deal is taking longer than expected to complete, and Gillet is looking to exploit the delay.

Gillet's bid values Liverpool at £16million more than the Dubai bid, and the club's board could be tempted into taking the increased offer while DIC drag their feet.

Gillet made his money from the meat distribution industry, and a succession of other sports clubs.

He held a significant stake in the Miami Dolphins in the late 60s, before purchasing the then bankrupt Harlem Globetrotters.
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1776_1861697 ,00.html

[Philby]

Well, I was agreeing with Shammyfeen that the glee with which the takeover is being greeted by some who not 12 months ago would have been blathering on about the evils of Chelsea is not a little hypocritical.

What I think will happen is that the EU are about to curb spending on wages across the board, lowering costs in a league which has just signed at £625 million deal for overseas TV rights.

In practice, DIC will end up running Liverpool within the same limits as currently and can put their cash into new revenue generating facilities like a stadium.

This is why all these foreign businessmen are jumping on the Premiership bandwagon, in anticipation of big improvements in the profit margins and the value of their investment going up.

So you're going with the 11:39am opinion then? Ok. Thanks for clarifying.

Re: Gillet bid - Pure newspaper speculation. Don't think he is seriously at the races in terms of buying LFC. Also I don't think DIC are necessarilly dragging their feet but rather are performing thorough due dilligence. Only those very close to the club, DIC or the consultants performing the due dilligence* could possibly know.

* - from a drunken pub chat with someone vaguely involved I think it may be KPMG but I'm not 100%

[homer jay]

Re: Gillet bid - Pure newspaper speculation. Don't think he is seriously at the races in terms of buying LFC. Also I don't think DIC are necessarilly dragging their feet but rather are performing thorough due dilligence. Only those very close to the club, DIC or the consultants performing the due dilligence* could possibly know.

agreed, but i said i'd throw it up anyways

[homer jay]

hopefully just a slight bump

Liverpool board want more time

The takeover of Liverpool has been thrown into confusion after the board chose not to formally accept a bid from Dubai International Capital.

The board, under chairman and owner David Moores, met in London ahead of Tuesday's Premiership game at West Ham to consider the second bid from George Gillett - the owner of Montreal Canadians ice hockey team.

And it is believed the Reds directors decided they needed more time to make a decision.

That, though, is expected to come by the end of the week, with the board accepting that they cannot delay any longer, with the need to start work on the club's new stadium in Stanley Park in March.

The Liverpool board's lack of a decisive move has surprised DIC, who have completed due diligence and want to make their formal bid, via the Stock Exchange, for Moores' 51.6% majority shareholding early next week.

They believed Moores was in favour of a bid which would have given the club's chairman £80million at £4,500 a share.

Gillett's original offer had been rejected before Christmas, but last week he submitted a new offer by letter to Moores which in effect upped the bid to give Moores £88million for his holding.

It is believed there are other board members - including representatives from Granada, who own 10% of the club - who also want to think again about Gillett's terms.

A DIC source said: "We have worked very hard over a long period with Liverpool to come up with the best possible offer for shareholders and for the long term of the club.

"Our deal is not just about buying some shares, it is about financing the stadium, getting the stadium built and making money available for players.

"We hope to make our formal offer very soon, and think it is an offer for everyone, not least one the supporters will be happy with."

Whether Moores has had a change of heart is uncertain, but DIC believed he supported their bid because it took into account the plans drawn up for the regeneration of the Anfield area and the fact the stadium would not be shared with Everton.

But Gillett is believed to favour reopening that debate, and if that happens it would effect carefully constructed planning applications.

DIC were expected to have leading officials at Anfield on Saturday for the Mersey derby with Everton, where the deal would have been confirmed.

An announcement to the Stock Exchange next week would have paved the way to a complete buy-out.

Only last week Liverpool sources talked of concluding a deal with DIC "within weeks" and that Gillett's own legally allowed due diligence "didn't really matter," and the club "would continue to work with DIC."

Moores, it was believed, had reached agreement with DIC - the investment arm of the Dubai government - on a deal which would see them purchase shares for around £155million, assume £80million of debt and fund a new 60,000-seater stadium.

In the end, with Moores holding the majority holding, it is only his decision which will decide the future of the club - and Liverpool fans will now await that decision with interest.

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1883363 ,00.html

[Rebelred]

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1883362 ,00.html

interesting, somebody getting cold feet?

[shammy feen]

Funny that...Gillett offers Parry more money for his shares and all of a sudden the best interests of the club take a back seat...

Quote from Rick Parry this morning

"I nearly sold to DIC..it was a close shave!...but in the end, Gillets the best a man can get..."

Shammy

[homer jay]

Funny that...Gillett offers Parry more money for his shares and all of a sudden the best interests of the club take a back seat...

Quote from Rick Parry this morning

"I nearly sold to DIC..it was a close shave!...but in the end, Gillets the best a man can get..."

Shammy

i take it you meant david moores ;)

[shammy feen]

i take it you meant david moores ;)

Yep...another fitzy...but the gag was worth it...;)

[shammy feen]

Fucks sake..I cant even read things properly anymore....thats middle age for you....

[KolaKubes]

Funny that...Gillett offers Parry more money for his shares and all of a sudden the best interests of the club take a back seat...

Quote from Rick Parry this morning

"I nearly sold to DIC..it was a close shave!...but in the end, Gillets the best a man can get..."

Shammy

Go on Shammy.

You're on a winner with this one.

[Philby]

While this seems a bit odd I'm happy enough for the club to take as long as they need to weigh up all the option before making a decision. Liverpool are fortunate that they are in a position to decide their own future unlike United who were effectively bullied into selling up to a debt-laden deal with Malcolm.

Don't think for a minute that Moores is out to make a quick buck. He is Liverpool through & through and has ploughed a huge amount of money into the club in the past. I'm confident that he'll make the right decision for all involved.

[shammy feen]

Liverpool are fortunate that they are in a position to decide their own future unlike United who were effectively bullied into selling up to a debt-laden deal with Malcolm.



Who mentioned united???
A scurrilous attempt to score a cheap shot against Kola by feeding the Liverpool v United feeding frenzy on this board........ poor form out of the lad Philby...poor lad..poor.

[KolaKubes]

Who mentioned united???
A scurrilous attempt to score a cheap shot against Kola by feeding the Liverpool v United feeding frenzy on this board........ poor form out of the lad Philby...poor lad..poor.

Ya, don't feed the frenzy man.

[STEVIEG]

Who mentioned united???
A scurrilous attempt to score a cheap shot against Kola by feeding the Liverpool v United feeding frenzy on this board........ poor form out of the lad Philby...poor lad..poor.

Just stopping short of, "these middle eastern types really know their football"!

[Paddy Wagon]

Yep...another fitzy...but the gag was worth it...;)

Loreal..

[tonyfillony]

oh dear
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8668_1885209 ,00.html
was really looking forward to that extra cash for rafa to spend , now it looks like we are back to square one

[homer jay]

oh dear
http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8668_1885209 ,00.html
was really looking forward to that extra cash for rafa to spend , now it looks like we are back to square one

fuck sake. i hope to fuck they don't go with the yank

[tonyfillony]

looks like they will be

[homer jay]

looks like they will be

this makes me most unhappy.


Consortium pulls out of Reds bid
Liverpool
Dubai International Capital has pulled out of proposed takeover of Liverpool.

The announcement follows the failure of the club's board to formally accept DIC's bid in the wake of a second offer from American George Gillett.

DIC claimed the offer had been accepted in principle by majority shareholder David Moores but they were unable to make a formal offer to shareholders.

DIC chief executive Sameer Al Ansari said the group was disappointed but added: "We won't overpay for assets."

The BBC's sports editor Mihir Bose believes Sheikh Mohammed was angry with Liverpool's courting with American tycoon George Gillett who is expected to make a revised takeover bid.

Bose said: "Mohammed is a very angry man and that is why he has pulled out. He was given assurances by Liverpool that they would go with them but the talk of other offers has unsettled him and he has pulled out.

"DIC saw this as business enterprise but Gillett has told Liverpool that they are a sports franchise and they know how to run sports operations.

"With Gillett it won't be like an Roman Abramovich deep pockets scenario."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6318091.stm

[Actin The Sham]

It looks like the expression "Manchester Bucaneers" and all those other attempts at scouse "humour" could come back to haunt some people sooner rather then later.

[Limp Diego]

Very disappointed at this. DIC looked like genuinely helping liverpool out and keeping it's traditions, have no time for this franchise talk. F*cking greedy Parry ..or Moores..

[Up For The Ba]

Edmund Blackwater wont be happy about this.

[homer jay]

It looks like the expression "Manchester Bucaneers" and all those other attempts at scouse "humour" could come back to haunt some people sooner rather then later.

i was wondering who'd be first to have a go.

[Philby]

F*ck, this is a lot to take in. Hard to know what to make of this until Parry or Moores come out with some further comments

A few things to mull over though....

- Parry, Moores & the board have a duty to the fans to find the best deal for the club & its fans regardless of any indications they may have given DIC around their intentions

- While no-one knows the details of the conversation DIC seem to be absolutely raging that Liverpool decided to do their own due dilligence on what offer it best for the club. They are experienced businessmen and know that when prize "assets" (as they called the club) go up for sale there are many interested parties & only a fool would concentrate on one offer and ignore the rest without investigating further

- Boards of Directors are very complex beasts with conflicting personalities and often agendas. This may not have been a unanimous decision

- The DIC is not dead in the water. Business deals in far worse shape than this have come back from beyond the grave so don't rule it out happening here especially considering the language in the DIC statement below

Liverpool is the most successful football club in English football history. It exists to win things for its supporters. It deserves to be in the hands of people who support it, who understand its history and legend and who share the enthusiasm and passion of its fans. As businessmen, we move on. As fans, we hope that the new owners would share the same vision as we had for LFC and, of course, in realising the new stadium that is so badly needed to ensure the club can continue to compete at the highest level in the Premiership and Europe. I am sure I will be back at Anfield with my family soon to support my team, as I have done so in the last 30-plus years. In the meantime, I wish the manager, the players and everyone connected with the club the best of fortune for the challenges ahead and will make sure that I am there the day they lift the Premiership trophy.

- I hope Steve Morgan doesn't rear his ugly head. Despite being a "local boy made good" I didn't like his attitude or his intention to buy the club on the cheap

- Regardless of whether this was the correct decision or not I'm raging that we may well have more weeks (or months) of uncertainty and false dawns. It's headwrecking.

[Philby]

Very disappointed at this. DIC looked like genuinely helping liverpool out and keeping it's traditions, have no time for this franchise talk. F*cking greedy Parry ..or Moores..

As far as I'm aware Rick Parry has no (or minimal) financial stake in the club so wouldn't benefit from a higher offer for the club's shares. On the contrary Parry was assured of his position post-DIC takeover whereas that might not be the case under an alternative proposal.

Parry is an important & influential figure no doubt but he is not, imho, a key decision-maker at the club in situations like this when it comes to the crunch

[Limp Diego]

yes philby, my head is wrecked. It looked for sure that finally we had found worthy investors. Other 'potential' investors had only ever been talked about.
It'll be interesting to see what Parry and Moores have to say, without knowing how these things work i presume there needed to be some sort of majority in the board room and some greedy directors have gone for Gillet's 'potential offer' - who's to say he may revalue his offer? who cares anyway? DIC said all the right things, but Gillet has only mentioned franchise, which gives me cause for concern

[Actin The Sham]

I wish to FAWK there was a business forum.

[Limp Diego]

what is this?

[homer jay]

its got nothing to do with split decisions. moores couldn't recommend the takeover to the rest of the shareholders. he made the decision. now whether he was going by the book, ensuring all offers were considered in an equal manner, or whether he was biding his time waiting for razor boy to come in and save the day, i dunno. as you said philby, we'll just have to wait and see what the two lads come out and say.

the deal isn't finished, but if moores did fuck it up by pissing around for too long (i.e. not accepting the offer as promised) then he'll have to do some serious grovelling to the arab lads. i would presume that is what is happening at the minute since things seem to be quiet from anfield.

[homer jay]

I wish to FAWK there was a business forum.

just go into the bob's and claim it as the 'Business oh Business' forum

[Actin The Sham]

its got nothing to do with split decisions. moores couldn't recommend the takeover to the rest of the shareholders. he made the decision. now whether he was going by the book, ensuring all offers were considered in an equal manner, or whether he was biding his time waiting for razor boy to come in and save the day, i dunno. as you said philby, we'll just have to wait and see what the two lads come out and say.

the deal isn't finished, but if moores did fuck it up by pissing around for too long (i.e. not accepting the offer as promised) then he'll have to do some serious grovelling to the arab lads. i would presume that is what is happening at the minute since things seem to be quiet from anfield.

The Arabs fell out with John Magnier and the Coolmore people a few years ago, and they STILL bear a grudge about it. They sound like big children, throwing their toys out of the pram because Liverpool wanted to make sure they were getting the best possible deal.

It sounds like blackmail to me, and to be honest maybe it's for the best if this is what the potential buyers are like.

[homer jay]

The Arabs fell out with John Magnier and the Coolmore people a few years ago, and they STILL bear a grudge about it. They sound like big children, throwing their toys out of the pram because Liverpool wanted to make sure they were getting the best possible deal.

It sounds like blackmail to me, and to be honest maybe it's for the best if this is what the potential buyers are like.

fuck it tho, gillette wants to ground share with everton. give me the arabs any day over that! moores pretty much told them they were going to deal with them (DIC), i'd get pretty pissed off if someone pulled out of a deal with me that we had agreed.

edit: just found this
LIVERPOOL FC today confirmed that American businessman George Gillett is a serious rival to Dubai International Capital's bid for control of the club.

The US sports tycoon has astonished Anfield officials by completing his due diligence procedure in three days.

By confirming that a shared stadium with Everton has never been on his agenda, by agreeing to personally underwrite the new stadium funding, and by making a firm commitment to investing in future transfers, he has now moved alongside DIC as a realistic future owner.

Up until 48 hours ago, chairman David Moores was focused solely on a takeover by DIC, the investment arm of the Makhtoum family.

But he has come under increasing pressure from minor shareholders to think about the American's proposals, which are worth £500 a share more than DIC's.

Moores would net £8m more from the American's offer, but sources at Anfield say the Reds chairman only wants to make the best decision for the club.

It is the speed and decisive nature of the American's proposals which have caused him to think again.

DIC took more than a month to complete their due diligence procedure, and even now no formal offer has been made.

Reds officials were hoping to vote on the DIC proposals at a board meeting in London last night before the match at West Ham, but the documentation was still not in place.

It was this latest hitch which convinced Moores to reconsider.

Building work on the new stadium is due to start in March, so a decision is imminent.

Moores is carefully considering both offers, but is expected to make a decision by the end of the week.

http://icliverpool.icnetwor k.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_headline=lfc%2D-we%2Dre-taking-us-buy%2Dout-bid-seriously%26method=f ull%26objectid=18555 515%26siteid=50061-name_page.html#story _continue

[KolaKubes]

I wish to FAWK there was a business forum.

ATS, this is now very suitable fare for a sports forum.

[STEVIEG]

Edmund Blackwater wont be happy about this.

:):):)

[xvis]

Funny that...Gillett offers Parry more money for his shares and all of a sudden the best interests of the club take a back seat...

Quote from Rick Parry this morning

"I nearly sold to DIC..it was a close shave!...but in the end, Gillets the best a man can get..."

Shammy

you should have said "nearly sold to BIC" for the coveted double fitzy.

[shammy feen]

Fitzys aside...its fairly obvious that Moores fucked up the deal by holding out for an extra £8 million for his personal shares and the arabs said adios you greedy greedy man....I dont blame them...

[Rebelred]

DIC pulls out just in time.... ;)

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_1885209 ,00.html

seriously though,on the face of it, looks like the pool board have fcuked up big time here

[Sound]

Fitzys aside...its fairly obvious that Moores fucked up the deal by holding out for an extra £8 million for his personal shares and the arabs said adios you greedy greedy man....I dont blame them...

Is it?

I would have thought they were duty bound to consider all offers especially those that value the club at a higher price but do carry on.

And the Makhtoums considering anybody else greedy is, well, a bit rich.

[Actin The Sham]

Is it?

I would have thought they were duty bound to consider all offers especially those that value the club at a higher price but do carry on.

And the Makhtoums considering anybody else greedy is, well, a bit rich.


Exactly. And they hadn't even made a formal offer, which Gillet has done. They just got the hump (no pun intended, camels/arabs etc.) because Liverpool entertained another offer.


They're trying the exact same thing with Coolmore, just beacuse they got outbid for a horse.

[shammy feen]

.....but do carry on.....

I will..I will....

[STEVIEG]

Alan Green's initial "let's all wank over the Arabs" analaysis looks different now


Liverpool fans well appreciate, as does Steven Gerrard, that the Premiership title is beyond them this season. The skipper already looks to the Champions League as possible, and considerable, compensation.

But there's no way you can wipe the smiles off the faces of the red half of Merseyside this week.

You see, the wealth of the two current most powerful clubs in English football each has a downside.

Glazer's takeover at Manchester United is built on 'debt' and even Chelsea fans have a recurring nightmare about what might happen should Abramovich take his 'whim' and his money elsewhere.

In contrast, and I've pored over every publicised detail (and more) of what's going on at Anfield, it can only be 'win, win, win' for Liverpool.

This Dubai International Capital takeover is built on 'cash'. It is neither solely about glory hunting by a money-rich foreigner nor is it a business venture that has to pay its own way.

Every single quote attributed to 'sources' behind DIC suggests there's not the slightest thing for the club or its supporters to be worried about.

I was particularly taken with Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry's comment: "Already DIC have demonstrated a full understanding of, and respect for, the club's heritage and values."

That's essential. So, too, is the fact that to the proposed new owners, with the World's 5th richest man Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum in the background, £450 million is no big deal.

Liverpool's debts will be wiped clean, the new stadium will be built and paid for and Rafa Benitez, a man not given to spending money unwisely, will have a huge treasure chest to turn to.

It was fascinating that the Spanish boss this week ruled out a move for Chelsea's Shaun Wright-Phillips. He'd earlier tried to sign the player before Chelsea threw silly money at Manchester City and Benitez well knows that, if Liverpool came calling again for the player, the London club would want more - "because it's Liverpool."

Ally that to a comment from a source behind DIC: "We are serious people with serious resources. That does not mean spending willy-nilly like Chelsea have done at times, so don't expect £21m a time on a succession of Shaun Wright-Phillipses who don't end up playing.

"But whatever money is required, in a way that makes sense for Liverpool, on and off the pitch, will be available."

While Liverpool fans have increasingly despaired over what seemed to be a relative lack of action behind the scenes at the club, with doubts about the direction of Chairman David Moores (though never doubting his love of Liverpool) and just `doubts - general' about Rick Parry, a wonderful rabbit has been pulled out of the hat.

There appears to be no downside to this deal. Actually, it looks like a marriage made in heaven. Liverpool are rejoicing and, shortly, Chelsea and Manchester United will not be having things their own way.

[ho chi feen]

It's OFF!

[Philby]

On paper the DIC deal looked a good one for the club IMHO

Manic speculation at this point in time is understandable but the club (esp. Parry & Moores) will be judged once a deal is finally brokered.

Whether that deal is a better one for Liverpool FC than the DIC one none of us know but this media frenzy isn't overly helpful.

[Sound]

Alan Green's initial "let's all wank over the Arabs" analaysis looks different now


Liverpool fans well appreciate, as does Steven Gerrard, that the Premiership title is beyond them this season.


I stopped reading after this. Didn't he get the memo?

[STEVIEG]

I stopped reading after this. Didn't he get the memo?

It was written before "it was on" but also before the takeover "was on":)

[homer jay]

an interesting article.


Gillett: the perfect choice for Reds or best a club can get?
North West Sports Reporter of the Year CHRIS BASCOMBE on collapse of Dubai deal and challenge to keep fans onside
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

SUCH has been the shift within Liverpool’s boardroom over the past 48 hours, one wonders what happened to the earthquake warnings?
After two months of strategic presentation of Dubai International Capital as preservers and enhancers of the Anfield tradition, supporters are now being urged to follow the club hierarchy in the process of reassessment.
Damascus-style conversions will be easier to some than others after the re-emergence of George Gillett Jnr as likely owner of Liverpool Football Club.
When an exclusivity agreement with DIC was announced last November, the statement made it clear the Dubai-based group was favoured over the American.
Murmurings from within Anfield that Gillett’s preference for a shared stadium – today denied by Rick Parry – was a reason for his initial rejection, still cast a shadow over his interest.
It is now claimed Gillett favours nothing of the kind. But until this was confirmed today, suspicion was inevitable.
Equally tough to comprehend is the reason behind a 180-degree turn, which has more in common with skating on ice than historic decisions.
Liverpool insist the end of the DIC bid reflects a carefully considered reappraisal due to misgivings with the delay in completing the takeover.
The Anfield accounting department would appear to have more books than Central Library, such has been the time spent on due diligence.
Commitments which chairman David Moores desired were slow in coming.
Documents sent to Anfield increased rather than eased concerns. Leaks regarding the true intention of DIC raised alarms. When it was suggested DIC had a seven-year exit strategy, it was instantly denied, but the existence of the documents was damaging. The club, not DIC, would have been saddled with debts.
Six weeks on, DIC’s move was significantly different from what Liverpool expected. In fact, they made no bid, instead presenting an “expression of interest”.
Some sources suggested the Dubai group realised on closer inspection Liverpool wasn’t the club they thought. The fundamental question which may remain unanswered is who got cold feet first?
Is this truly a case of Liverpool deciding the due diligence had gone on too long, or do inklings that Dubai wanted to reassess their options and reconsider their investment having seen the books carry equal merit? We may never know.
One unconfirmed report suggested the Liverpool bid was the only one of three projects not given the go-ahead at the start of the new year by Mohammed Al Gergawi – the man within the United Arab Emirates government who Sameer Ansari needed to convince to support the proposal.
Was it this which gave the Anfield board the first hint they should keep alternative options open?
DIC wouldn’t be the first to revise an initial valuation after further scrutiny.


All suggestions of a hitch were denied by Liverpool until yesterday morning.
The club say the DIC bid was alive and well until 72 hours ago.
It’s suggested the chairman finally lost patience and invited Gillett back into contention three days ago, impressed by his decisiveness and ambition.
Gillett, either conveniently or fort-unately depending on your perspective, had already made a fresh bid and seen the books. Did he take a punt or was he encouraged more than supporters were led to believe at the time?
The board meeting on Tuesday – stunningly leaked within hours of its concl-usion – confirmed the frostiness between Moores and DIC and the revival of Gillett’s hopes.
No doubt provoked by the revelation Moores found DIC’s terms unacceptable, an ultimatum was delivered yesterday. Liverpool saw this as bullying tactics and the deal collapsed in acrimony.
A fortnight ago, Gillett’s return to the fold was being announced and then privately dismissed by some as muddying the waters in the same breath.
Suddenly, those same streams contain fountain springs.
Gillett’s due diligence process took just three days. Gillett, Liverpool fans are being told, ticks all the right boxes after all. Ignore all the negativity when the club wanted someone else, the American isn’t so bad.
That’s the new message fans are urged to consume today.
Supporters were happy to be led on an exciting journey to the United Arab Emirates six weeks ago, but convincing them to embrace the American dream will be trickier.
At this stage, it seems a case of when not if Gillett will take over. He’s not the only interested party, but he’s the only candidate under serious consideration.
That remains a source of frustration for others, whose pockets are not as deep but whose motives are beyond reproach.
Local businessman Steve Morgan, currently away working for charity in Uganda, would certainly reconsider his options at the right price, while Irishman John Miskelly would reignite his £220m bid without the process of due diligence, such is his love for the club.
Miskelly would pay £4,000 a share, which is eclipsed by the whopping £5,000 on offer from Gillett. Will Gillett revise his offer now the Arab competition has gone?
And why does Gillett crave Liverpool so much? Has he, or indeed Liverpool Football Club, done enough to convince supporters he’s the right man for the job or is simply in the right place at the right time to benefit from the DIC shambles?
Chairman Moores and his board earned hearty congratulation after the DIC announcement.
It seemed years of trust in the hierarchy was paying dividends. There was no grand appeal for support necessary for the majority of Liverpool fans, who willingly accept the notion the chairman only wants the best for the club.
With Liverpool now claiming Gillett is the favoured option – no matter how beneficial it may seem – the leap of faith demanded from fans is monumental. The PR drive will have to be ferocious.
It’s a bit like being told to open the door to an honoured guest after initially being urged to hide behind the couch if the bogeyman came knocking.
Whatever way you dress it up, signing an exclusivity agreement with a rival was hardly a ringing endorsement of the man who may now be entrusted with safeguarding the future of Liverpool Football Club

http://icliverpool.icnetwor k.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_headline=gillett% 2D-the-perfect-choice-for-reds-orbest-a-club-can-get%2D%26method=full %26objectid=18560409 %26page=1%26siteid=5 0061-name_page.html

[Edmund Blackwater]

I think Liverpool may have been right.
The deal wasn't going to be completed before the transfer window shut anyway, so why should they rush into a decision?
If the Gillet offer is better for the club, I'm sure they'll accept it.
If not, they'll go back to DIC and try to reignite the deal, which DIC have already invested alot of time and money in.

[st finnbar]

I think Liverpool may have been right.
The deal wasn't going to be completed before the transfer window shut anyway, so why should they rush into a decision?
If the Gillet offer is better for the club, I'm sure they'll accept it.
If not, they'll go back to DIC and try to reignite the deal, which DIC have already invested alot of time and money in.

just for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVNf5uX-Bf4&NR

[Jim Comic]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6323609.stm

[ho chi feen]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6323609.stm

Yay! Go Liverton Reds! Go Stanley Park Bowl.

Wide receiver and previous inter-Yooooroooooopean MVP contender Stevie 'The G' Gerrard is rumoured to be unsettled. Word has it he might be drafted by the West London Russians in the coming off-season.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Yay! Go Liverton Reds! Go Stanley Park Bowl.

Wide receiver and previous inter-Yooooroooooopean MVP contender Stevie 'The G' Gerrard is rumoured to be unsettled. Word has it he might be drafted by the West London Russians in the coming off-season.
wait.
I thought it was manyoo who were owned by a american footballer franchiser and that the Liverpool-interested guy was Ice Hockey?

:confused::confused:

[ho chi feen]

wait.
I thought it was manyoo who were owned by a american footballer franchiser and that the Liverpool-interested guy was Ice Hockey?

:confused::confused:

Eh, he's American, which, I believe is the point here. However, according to that beeb articles his business forays include: "household names on their tea table such as Branston Pickle, Crosse & Blackwell, Rowntree's Jelly and Sarson's Vinegar... sales manager, and franchise partner in the NFL's Miami Dolphins... 22 p/c of the Harlem Globetrotters.... television and newspapers, underpinned by his involvement in the food industry, principally meat-packing... the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team."

The other guy's got a lot of interests too.

[Edmund Blackwater]

Eh, he's American, which, I believe is the point here. However, according to that beeb articles his business forays include: "household names on their tea table such as Branston Pickle,
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mmm.
In any man's language, he's agentleman, so.

[Philby]

Well if star quarter-back Gerrard thinks that these deal is the right one to expand the current roster and secure that elusive <jermaine> pennant then who are we to argue...

US duo set to move in at Anfield today
Feb 6 2007
by Sam Lister, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL Football Club is today expected to unveil two American sports moguls as its new owners in a £450m deal.

Just six days after a bid from Dubai investors spectacularly collapsed, the LFC board is believed to be ready to announce to the Stock Exchange at 7.30am that it has accepted a rival bid from George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

The pair continued negotiations with LFC executives yesterday, which progressed positively, and they were due to fly in to Liverpool John Lennon Airport last night in a private jet.

Barring any last-minute technical hitches, sources close to the deal last night confirmed it was likely that the new owners would be unveiled this morning.

The club is thought to have cancelled all museum and stadium tours today to prepare for the announcement at Anfield.

Only a contractual hitch would hold up the deal, but any last-minute niggles would still only be expected to push the announcement back by 24 hours.

Yesterday, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard backed the American investment plans.

He had been introduced to the Dubai International Capital group and expressed his support for that bid too, but now says the US consortium would be just as beneficial.

He said: “I’m really excited. I’m told it’s really close and hopefully some time this week it will be sorted.

“The takeover is in good hands with our chairman David Moores and Rick Parry (chief executive) and I’m full of confidence they will make the right decision and get it signed and sealed.

“These are exciting times for the club.”

Once a deal is announced, there will be a 28-day period before the deal can be finalised, giving time for shareholders to decide whether they will also accept an offer of £5,000-a-share that will meet with Moores’s approval.

Moores needs to persuade 90% of shareholders to also take the offer to allow Gillett and Hicks to make a compulsory purchase of the rest of the shares, just as Malcolm Glazer did at Manchester United.

The two American tycoons, who both own National Hock- ey League teams, convinced Moores of their plans at a secret meeting last week.

They persuaded the Liverpool board to turn down a rival offer from DIC, which withdrew from negotiations, believing it was being badly treated by the club.

Hicks and Gillett will split the £470m cost of taking over the club on a 50-50 basis, with around £255m going to buy the shareholding and take over the £80m debt, and a further £215m on the stadium.

Gillett managed to persuade his old friend, Hicks, to join forces with him last week, which gave the bid the financial clout it needed to see off DIC.

Operating alone, the multi-millionaire had initially tried to put forward plans for a joint stadium with neighbours Everton, which did not impress the Liverpool board, but he has pledged to abandon that scenario in the joint deal.

But once billionaire Hicks added in his vast fortune, the duo were able to easily match the Dubai deal.

Hicks has also built up a reputation for developing state-of-the-art stadia for his teams.

Last night, representatives for both businessmen and the club declined to formally comment on the expected takeover.

[homer jay]

i'm sure he said something similar about DIC

[Philby]

Ya, very similar. Guess you have to come out with something bland like this as club captain, especially before the deal is sealed. Can't see any good coming from revealing too much about the deal or expressing any negative feeling about the deal in public at this stage.

[shammy feen]

Whos worth more moolah DIC or BIC?

[Sound]

Any news of how it will be structured?

[Philby]

Any news of how it will be structured?

No, and that may be a key factor in why the club chose the yanks over the sheik. One thing they have to get right is the division of responsibility/ownership between Gillett and Hicks - both are experienced businessmen and neither will want to play second fiddle. Creating a synergy from their shared expertise and not having them detract from each other will be a key success factor of this proposed deal.

[ho chi feen]

Well if star quarter-back Gerrard thinks that these deal is the right one to expand the current roster and secure that elusive <jermaine> pennant then who are we to argue...



Or, in layman's terms...

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e123/Eejitry/itson.jpg

[homer jay]

glad to see you're getting the 'ON-Ness' ho chi. by god it's 'ON' now

Duo agree Liverpool takeover deal
Liverpool
American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks have reached an agreement to buy Liverpool in a deal thought to be worth £470m, BBC Sport understands.

The pair announced their buy-out to the Stock Exchange on Tuesday.

Liverpool chairman David Moores, who will become an honorary life president, said: "This is a great step forward, its shareholders and its fans."

The club have called a news conference at 1400 GMT to announce the details of the takeover.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/6323037.stm

Liverpool FC today announced that the Board have agreed the terms of an offer for the Club from Mr George Gillett and Mr Tom Hicks. The Board are unanimously recommending that the Club’s shareholders accept this offer.
Full details of the offer were announced earlier today to the Stock Exchange.

Commenting on the offer, David Moores, Chairman of Liverpool said:
“I believe this is a great step forward for Liverpool, its shareholders and its fans. This Club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life. After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad. I urge all my fellow shareholders to do the same and to support the offer. By doing so, I believe you will be backing the successful future of Liverpool Football Club.

"I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the Club by becoming Honorary Life President.”

Rick Parry, Chief Executive of Liverpool, commented: “This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders – it is the beginning of a new era for the Club.

“The partnership created by George and Tom is very special. They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool. Their approach represents exactly the sort of genuine partnership that Liverpool has been seeking over recent times.

“We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field. They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad.

“This has been an important time for the Club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the Club succeed and prosper.”

Commenting on the offer, George Gillett and Tom Hicks said: “Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase. We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future. The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the Club’s legacy and tradition.

“We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the Club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future.”

[Jim Comic]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N154905070206-1258.htm

[Forsberg]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N154905070206-1258.htm

Gerrards and Carra's opinion on Benitez.

"They also spoke extremely warmly about Rafa and made us aware that they feel this man is truly one of the great geniuses in the recent history of the sport."

A bit OTT there like

[Sound]

The ON-ness has gone off the scale! It's broken my ON-ometer.

[Philby]

Gerrards and Carra's opinion on Benitez.

"They also spoke extremely warmly about Rafa and made us aware that they feel this man is truly one of the great geniuses in the recent history of the sport."

A bit OTT there like

Ya, fair point. Maybe they were paraphrasing the two boys or maybe they just didn't understand them in the first place.

All initial signs look encouraging but it's easy to give lip service to the key concerns of the fans

- The Stadium
- Squad Building
- Backing Rafa
- Respecting the history of the club

...but this needs to be backed up with action. Deals which look dynamite on paper can often go sour quite quickly but hopefully this'll be the start of a very successful period on & off the pitch

[Forsberg]

Ya, fair point. Maybe they were paraphrasing the two boys or maybe they just didn't understand them in the first place.

All initial signs look encouraging but it's easy to give lip service to the key concerns of the fans

- The Stadium
- Squad Building
- Backing Rafa
- Respecting the history of the club

...but this needs to be backed up with action. Deals which look dynamite on paper can often go sour quite quickly but hopefully this'll be the start of a very successful period on & off the pitch

in fairness to the two lads, thier record in the NHL has been excellent. Boith teams have been top contenders regularly since they've owned their teams , especially Gillett at Montreal.who were really struggling when he bought them. So I wouldn't be too worried about their desire to be successful on the pitch

[Philby]

A huge day in the history of the club but some things never change. Parry is again wearing a horrible tie!

[homer jay]

A huge day in the history of the club but some things never change. Parry is again wearing a horrible tie!

watching the press conference online. terrible tie alright

[KolaKubes]

Oh dear, disappointing. I'd expect this from Newcastle fans but not you lot. Especially after all the preaching about Chelsea. For shame. [wags finger].

[Lamps]

Oh dear, disappointing. I'd expect this from Newcastle fans but not you lot. Especially after all the preaching about Chelsea. For shame. [wags finger].

haven't you got work to do?

or did you merely shit the course when confronted with a direct question?

off with you

[KolaKubes]

haven't you got work to do?

or did you merely shit the course when confronted with a direct question?

off with you

No, I've changed my mind, I'll hang around and check in now and again but, yes, I need to do a wee bit of work.

Ye'll be glad to know I'm away for 2 weeks, from this afternoon, the forum is then yere's to do with as ye see fit. I'll be expecting to see some top class debate and threads without my apparent "wumming".

I presumed (same as everyone else on the thread) that by "away for 2 weeks", you meant a holiday. How exactly that qualifies as a "lie", God and your warped little mind only knows.

Hopefully you were getting a vasectomy.

[Lamps]

I presumed (same as everyone else on the thread) that by "away for 2 weeks", you meant a holiday. How exactly that qualifies as a "lie", God and your warped little mind only knows.


You presumed wrong then.

Lesson 1: Deal in facts when making factual statements.

Schoolboy error

[Sound]

Oh dear, disappointing. I'd expect this from Newcastle fans but not you lot. Especially after all the preaching about Chelsea. For shame. [wags finger].

You're right.

I hereby declare FC Liverpool open for business based on the Manchester trailblazer. Let's pay money into a club without its own ground, not knowing where the money goes, watch fat lads run about in fake kits, while we all stand around singing about Scousers and murdering Glazer.

Would you prefer that?

[Philby]

My initial thoughts from the press conference was that both Hicks & Gillett were at pains to plug their love & understanding of sport as well as their respect for the traditions of the club. Easy thing to say, a bit tougher to do but they are making all the right noises.

"genuine partnership" & "long-term relationship" were two phrases that cropped up quite a bit. It hinted that perhaps the DIC deal was a bit more short-termist (which would make sense as they are effectively a private equity firm)

There will be no debt to service unlike the Glazer deal. The two boyos will finance the purchase themselves.

Hicks called Liverpool "the most important club in the most important sport in the world" - playing to the crowd a bit on that one...Gillett didn't help by repeating the point a bit later on with the word "franchise" instead of club. Do NOT use the F word lads.

Stadium naming rights - I feel that Hicks was about to say "Hell Ya" on this when Gillett cut across him to gave a pragmatic response - "If the naming rights revenue stream is worth one great player a year then it is an option we will consider". I think this is very likely to happen.

Hicks & Gillett will be co-Chairman & equal partners with a son each on the
board.

Parry mentioned that things with DIC were taking significantly longer than we expected. He thought it would've been tied up by christmas. Gillett was very gracious when he had his initial offer turned down and was keen to find out why he lost out. The 2nd bid, with Hicks on board, was a Very different proposition and far more attractive on all fronts.

Construction on the new stadium likely to start within 60 days

Initial cash outlay on the purchase of the club was £174m (34,800 shares @ £5k per share) plus assumption of debt.

[KolaKubes]

You're right.

I hereby declare FC Liverpool open for business based on the Manchester trailblazer. Let's pay money into a club without its own ground, not knowing where the money goes, watch fat lads run about in fake kits, while we all stand around singing about Scousers and murdering Glazer.

Would you prefer that?

Like fuck. I think the FC Utd thing was a nice idea but not (as it's turned out in some demented minds) some sort of "rival" or "alternative" to the real deal.

As I said on there (to much abuse) there is nothing you can do about this really, I'm just suggesting that people might want to hold tough before getting too excited about it, it might just mark yet another English football club losing the run of itself (literally).

[KolaKubes]

Does anyone know anything about these guys' track record in sport over in the USA?

If they follow the Glazer model, they'll just sit on their investment while letting the current regime carry on to a greater or lesser extent.

Sure, I presume they're intelligent enough not to mess with a fairly successful formula on the field?

[wat_boy]

know fuck all about them apart from hicks won the stanley cup with the dallas sharks(if thats their name) and gillett went bankrupt in 92

[KolaKubes]

know fuck all about them apart from hicks won the stanley cup with the dallas sharks(if thats their name) and gillett went bankrupt in 92

This trend towards foreign ownership is odd. Why aren't British millionaires getting in on the act if it's such a good "investment"?

[Philby]

Does anyone know anything about these guys' track record in sport over in the USA?

If you look at the track record of Hicks and Gillett in ice hockey and baseball, Liverpool fans should be able to breath a little easier. Both men have a successful track record in running sports clubs and their background in broadcasting suggests they'll be in for the long haul
There are many direct parallels between Liverpool FC and the Montreal Canadiens, which Gillett took over in 2000. First, the anglophone American faced fierce opposition from the largely francophone fans of Les Habitants, who were appalled that their club was getting taken over by an American. The Canadiens, like Liverpool, are by far the most successful club in terms of trophies, winning 24 Stanley Cups, the last one being in 1993. Despite their success, Les Canadiens are less popular than the Toronto Maple Leafs, whose commercial success hasn't been matched by their performances on the ice.
At any rate, Gillett took over the Canadiens from the Molson family, local owners of a brewery who had bought the team in the 1950s, which coincided with their glory years. Gillett promised to keep the team in Montreal and invest to bring back success and he has delivered on those promises. He brought back Bob Gainey, one of the stars of the 1970s dynasty and architect of the Dallas Stars team that won the 1999 Stanley Cup, to run the team and has backed him with the cash to sign players.
Hicks originally got into baseball through his ownershp of a cable superstation that served as the broadcaster of the Texas Rangers baseball club. He bought the club in 1998 because, like Ted Turner (who owned the Atlanta Braves as well as the superstation TBS), he saw the value of baseball as cheap programming and a way to attract subscribers. Like Turner, he angered his fellow baseball owners by investing plenty of money into high-priced stars, with the apex being Alex Rodriguez, who received $252 million over 10 years. Despite his heavy investment, the Rangers did not really succeed on the field.
He had better success with the Dallas Stars, which he bought in 1995. His time there has coincided with the club's best-ever results, including the 1999 Stanley Cup.

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/02/06/liverpool_fans_must_ watch_thei_1.html

[Philby]

PARRY: THE FULL INTERVIEW
Jimmy Rice 12 February 2007 http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/images4/060705-parry_120_01.jpg Chief executive Rick Parry spoke to BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek about takeovers, transfer budgets and why Liverpool comes before England. Here's the interview in full. How much of a relief is it to have the takeover finally sorted out?

It's a huge relief. It's been going on for a long time – it's pretty much three years to the day, which is distracting and a bit debilitating. It's difficult to focus on the long-term plan when the whole issue of ownership and future direction is uncertain.

What impressed you most about George Gillett and Tom Hicks?

They talk about winning trophies. The debate wasn't really centred around cash at any stage – it was about passion and excitement; it was about winning trophies, which for every supporter and everyone associated with the club, that's the one thing they think about.

How sure are you the Americans will respect the traditions of the club?

There's two things to say on this. The first is that this is the reason they bought the club in the first place. It was the things that are special about Liverpool that drew them towards us, so the last thing they are going to do is spoil that. The other thing is, they've been very honest and straight-forward. They don't pretend to be lifelong fans, there's nothing bogus about it. Of course they've been reading up on the history, and they've very quickly got an appreciation of the passion of the fans and the atmosphere. They don't pretend to understand Liverpool inside-out, which is why it is so important to them that David Moores is staying on board, first of all as life president and then also as a member of the board. They see David as an absolutely vital link. One word which featured a lot last week from them was continuity; they're not about to come in and change things for the sake of change. We can learn a lot from them, we'll be going into this with an open mind, excited and willing to learn, but they are keen for the good things about the club to stay in tact. In leaving David there as the guardian of the values, I have every confidence the strengths of the club will remain. And, at the end of the day, let's not forget that our supporters will not let things change. They will be very vocal and the new owners will get the message very quickly if they even attempt to overstep the mark.

Will the move have any impact on ticket prices at Anfield?

If you look at what they've done with the Canadians in Montreal – it was one of the things that impressed us from the start that they have a very clear policy of affordable prices. He has some very expensive prices too for the corporate market, but at the other end affordable prices are very much part of his track record.

Were you concerned that without this deal, the club might not be able to hold on to Rafa Benitez?

Clearly Rafa had to consider the approach from Real Madrid. From his position that would be an appeal both to the heart and the head. It would be tempting, but we sat down for a day, we reaffirmed our commitment to making progress and continuing to invest in the team, and that was enough for him. Clearly, from the day he arrived we told him we were on the lookout for investment, we told him the ownership of the club was likely to change. He's excited about it and, of course, we believe it will be a major factor in reinforcing his view that he made the right decision last summer.

How much money will there be for him to spend?

We're not going to reveal figures, that would be nonsensical, but clearly the message from the new owners is that they share our vision of winning and they've come here to make us succeed. If we didn't believe there would be money to take us to the next level, we wouldn't have done the deal.

How soon will their impact be felt?

The most obvious way to quantify their impact will be when work starts on the new stadium, which we anticipate being in the next few weeks. That in a sense was the biggest challenge for us from a financial perspective. It's a massively important project for the club, to boost our revenue streams. Their assistance will be felt not only in terms of finance but also expertise – I'm going over to look at what Tom Hicks has done in the States this week. They know how to manage stadiums, they know how to develop stadiums. This will be the first tangible sign, and in due course the tangible sign we all hope to see is more silverware.

Have they reviewed the stadium plans at all?

It's fine-tuning – they understand the timescales and the constraints they have under the current plans. But at the same time, if you look at their track-record and the way stadiums are managed in the States, we'd be very foolish to think we couldn't learn something from them. At the end of the day, these are two guys with massive track-records and very impressive pedigrees. I'm really excited about going into the relationship with an open mind and with a thirst for knowledge and learning.

Have you had any contact with DIC in terms of closing things off?

Yes, we have. We have enormous respect for DIC. We were in the fortunate position of having two very credible bids. They put a huge amount of effort in, so the answer is yes, we have maintained relations.

Moving on, what are your thoughts on the comments made by Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson, suggesting Liverpool and other top clubs don't contribute enough to the national team?

I didn't hear the comment and I don't really understand it. Our target is winning trophies. Our supporters care about Liverpool first and England second. Our job is to bring glory to Liverpool. But at the same time we have invested as much if not more than any other club in our academy and we're still committed to that process, so we're committed to developing young English players.

[Sound]

He made an absolute balls of the A-Rod business though.

[Philby]

He made an absolute balls of the A-Rod business though.

Aye, you'd hope that he is a bit less hands-on at Liverpool and leaves the contract negotiation to Rick Parry & "Rawfa". On the whole Rafa has been very disciplined in not being forced into paying over the top if he really wants a player. Pennant was a bit over-priced but the absolute amount wasn't huge.

[KolaKubes]

It all sounds very very similar to the Glazers takeover.

Without the hundreds of millions in debt mind you. :(

[Philby]

Parry on plans for the new stadium.

We’ll keep the Kop at new ground – Parry
Mar 1 2007
By Liverpool Echo (http://icliverpool.icnetwor k.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news/tm_headline=we%2D%2D 8217%2Dll-keep-the-kop-at-new-ground-%2D%2D8211%2D-parry%26method=full% 26objectid=18691572% 26siteid=50061-name_page.html)

LIVERPOOL chief executive Rick Parry insists the club are fully committed to ensuring the Stanley Park Stadium incorporates a distinctive Kop End.

Designs for the new arena reveal that, unike the current Anfield, there won’t be one larger stand eclipsing the others, which has prompted some fears the impact of the current Kop won’t be replicated.

The Reds chief says both the current hierarchy and the new owners have been considering several alternative ways to ensure the most famous stand in football is recreated within the modern stadium.

George Gillett and Tom Hicks are in the process of analysing what minor improvements can be made to the current design, but there will be no compromise on preserving the The Kop End.

"The plan is to have a single tier Kop. There’s no question of that. That’s one of the priorities we don’t want to change," said Parry.

"In terms of whether one stand will be bigger than others, that’s difficult. When you’re designing a new stadium that’s not particularly logical. But all of us at the club know that making The Kop distinctive is very important. George and Tom absolutely understand that. There are a variety of different ways we can do that, but we don’t have any specifics to discuss at the moment."

Parry is also acutely aware of the need to preserve the unique Anfield atmosphere likely in the forthcoming fixtures against Manchester United and Barcelona, while also supporting fans’ efforts to enhance the noise levels at less high profile games.

One theory is that if the facilities in the Stanley Park Stadium are good enough, more fans may be encouraged to arrive at the ground earlier, which tends to build an atmosphere prior to kick-off.

However, Parry recognises changing the match going routines of Liverpool supporters is easier in theory than practice.

"We can certainly improve facilities and if we do that well, perhaps we can encourage more people to congregate in the stadium earlier.

"But changing habits is difficult," he said.

"If we can provide more football related pre-match entertainment which isn’t marching bands or dancing girls, there must be ways of doing it. But that has to come from the fans. We want to listen to them and hear ways of making that difference.

"We have a dialogue with the fans involved with the Reclaim The Kop camapaign, but we know they’re not an exclusive voice on these issues and don’t necessarily speak for everyone.

"But with the Reclaim The Kop campaign we respect that someone is trying to take the initiative and take positive action. That should be applauded and we’re always keen to hear more ideas."

Gillett and Hicks will bring their own matchday experiences from the United States, but there is clearly a different culture separating American and English sports fans.

Parry added: "With American sports, the whole event is much longer. In all their sports there are more time-outs and breaks, so for an hour long ice hockey match you’re there three hours. Baseball is even longer, so there’s a lot of stop-starting which couldn’t be the case here.

"You also have car parking for 12,000 people so there’s more picnic areas and the like. It’s completely different here. The reason people went to the ground earlier in football grounds in the old days is because you didn’t always have a seat and needed to queue up to get in.

"Nowadays people have their seat in advance."

[homer jay]

George Gillett and Tom Hicks have secured unconditional control of Liverpool Football Club after meeting the acceptance condition.

A statement to the Stock Exchange confirmed the pair yesterday 'received valid acceptances in respect of 28,089 Liverpool Shares, representing approximately 80.7% of Liverpool's issued share
capital to which the offer relates.'

Kop Football Ltd are also extending their offer to remaining shareholders until 3pm on March 26.

The £470million takeover means work is expected to start on the new 60,000-seater Stanley Park imminently, with the pair holding meetings this week after witnessing the Reds' Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Liverpool knocked out the holders on away goals after drawing 2-2 on aggregate.

The two sports tycoons, who both own NHL ice hockey franchises, spoke of their joy and amazement after watching their first European game at Anfield.


http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0309/liverpool.html

i'm sure they want to make a few changes to the stadium, so i can't see how it's going to start 'imminently'.

[Sound]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2007/0309/liverpool.html

i'm sure they want to make a few changes to the stadium, so i can't see how it's going to start 'imminently'.

It has to start in the next couple of weeks or they'll lose their grant funding. Expect a ceremonial sod-turning very soon.

[homer jay]

It has to start in the next couple of weeks or they'll lose their grant funding. Expect a ceremonial sod-turning very soon.

ah yes, the good old sod turning ceremony. i've been involved in a few meself, mockadacious afairs altogether. i thought they just had to show to the council that funding was forthcoming, and that there was no actual deadline for work to start?

[STEVIEG]

My initial thoughts from the press conference was that both Hicks & Gillett were at pains to plug their love & understanding of sport as well as their respect for the traditions of the club. Easy thing to say, a bit tougher to do but they are making all the right noises.

"genuine partnership" & "long-term relationship" were two phrases that cropped up quite a bit. It hinted that perhaps the DIC deal was a bit more short-termist (which would make sense as they are effectively a private equity firm)

There will be no debt to service unlike the Glazer deal. The two boyos will finance the purchase themselves.

Hicks called Liverpool "the most important club in the most important sport in the world" - playing to the crowd a bit on that one...Gillett didn't help by repeating the point a bit later on with the word "franchise" instead of club. Do NOT use the F word lads.

Stadium naming rights - I feel that Hicks was about to say "Hell Ya" on this when Gillett cut across him to gave a pragmatic response - "If the naming rights revenue stream is worth one great player a year then it is an option we will consider". I think this is very likely to happen.

Hicks & Gillett will be co-Chairman & equal partners with a son each on the
board.

Parry mentioned that things with DIC were taking significantly longer than we expected. He thought it would've been tied up by christmas. Gillett was very gracious when he had his initial offer turned down and was keen to find out why he lost out. The 2nd bid, with Hicks on board, was a Very different proposition and far more attractive on all fronts.

Construction on the new stadium likely to start within 60 days

Initial cash outlay on the purchase of the club was £174m (34,800 shares @ £5k per share) plus assumption of debt.

If DIC is short term, what the hell is Gillet and Hicks?

[STEVIEG]

Gerrards and Carra's opinion on Benitez.

"They also spoke extremely warmly about Rafa and made us aware that they feel this man is truly one of the great geniuses in the recent history of the sport."

A bit OTT there like

Happy days

[ho chi feen]

2005:
"MU Rowdies, hahaha!"

1 year later
"Nasty Arabs, go away!"

6 months later
"Our yanks are cuddlier than yours and value our tradition!"

1 year on:
"Save us oh Arab Knights (who we always knew to be 'real fans' all along)!!!"

Am I wrong?:)

[xvis]

2005:
"MU Rowdies, hahaha!"

1 year later
"Nasty Arabs, go away!"

6 months later
"Our yanks are cuddlier than yours and value our tradition!"

1 year on:
"Save us oh Arab Knights (who we always knew to be 'real fans' all along)!!!"

Am I wrong?:)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7201643.stm

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have decided to end a ban on unaccompanied women staying in the country's hotels.

A woman can now stay in a hotel alone as long as she carries identification.

Under Saudi Arabia's conservative Islamic code, women suffer severe restrictions on daily life.

They are not allowed to appear before a judge without a male representative, or travel abroad without a male guardian's permission.

Nor are they allowed to drive, although King Abdullah has said he would be in favour of lifting this ban if society accepts it.

***

Should/would Liverpool fans be boycotting the Investment arm of the Saudi government?

[Sound]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7201643.stm

The authorities in Saudi Arabia have decided to end a ban on unaccompanied women staying in the country's hotels.

A woman can now stay in a hotel alone as long as she carries identification.

Under Saudi Arabia's conservative Islamic code, women suffer severe restrictions on daily life.

They are not allowed to appear before a judge without a male representative, or travel abroad without a male guardian's permission.

Nor are they allowed to drive, although King Abdullah has said he would be in favour of lifting this ban if society accepts it.

***

Should/would Liverpool fans be boycotting the Investment arm of the Saudi government?

Nope. This move is to accommodate Rio and the lads during their brief sojourn.

[xvis]

Very good article on the state of play...

***

Prospectors for gold leave Liverpool with mountain of debt

Liverpool fans were too late to protest against their profit-driven owners cashing in on the club's value
David Conn
January 23, 2008 1:04 AM

A couple of years into the Premier League's brave new billionaire owners adventure and we have now seen the most surreal protest movement ever: Liverpool fans so rooted in tradition that their rallying call is Reclaim The Kop, chanting for their club to be taken over by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, dynastic ruler of Dubai.

Yet while the Anfield mood was summarised gruffly by some on the great former terrace this week as: "Get the Yanks out, get the Arabs in," Liverpool's current owners and their proposed bankers are adamant they are not departing the gold rush just yet.

Sources close to the refinancing which Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been negotiating with Royal Bank of Scotland and the US bank Wachovia insisted yesterday that the £350m loan remains on track and they expect to complete it by the end of this week. Similar deadlines have been cited and missed before but Hicks has persistently said, despite the fan protests and re-emergence of Dubai International Capital as a potential buyer, that he has no intention of selling the club. The figures, from Liverpool's present and future earnings, are said to have been inspected and, from the banks' point of view, show that Liverpool will be good for repayment of the hefty interest on that new loan.

Liverpool fans should perhaps have been a little more questioning 11 months ago when Hicks and Gillett gazumped DIC to buy the prize club, then talked seductively about upholding Liverpool's "cherished traditions" and "enhancing its reputation." There was remarkably little Scouse scepticism then about the men wearing scarves; the pair were presented as billionaires who would take Liverpool into their new stadium, girdled by all the banqueting required to finance competing with Manchester United, Arsenal and Roman Abramovich.

The fact that Hicks and Gillett had not spent one cent of their own money buying the club, but had borrowed fully £298m to do so, was there in the black and white of their official offer document, but few pointed it out as the men were embraced.

The document itemised how the loan was split: £174.1m to buy the club itself, at £5,000 per share - top dollar - which meant David Moores, for selling his 51.5% shareholding, was paid almost £90m. A further £11m was borrowed to pay banks and other advisers their fees. The loan also absorbed Liverpool's own debt, then £44.8m. The rest, £70m, was borrowed to keep the stadium project alive and "provide working capital".

That means money for the club to spend, so last summer, when Hicks and Gillett were again praised for "putting their hands in their pockets" to back Rafael Benítez with £26.5m to buy Fernando Torres and £11.5m for Ryan Babel, that was, in fact, also borrowed money. Interest was payable at 1.5% above banks' standard rate, which has been over 5%, and the £185m to buy the club and pay the fees is formally repayable by February 5, a week on Tuesday.

Hence the moves to replace the 12-month £298m with a new loan, of up to £350m, with interest and additional money for the stadium. Arguments began within Anfield about whether Hicks and Gillett were about to "do a Glazer" and load that debt, their own, on to the club itself. In their offer document, Hicks and Gillett said they had personally guaranteed the loan, and payment of the interest "will not depend to any significant extent on the business of Liverpool."

But then, in an interview with Lawrence Donegan for this newspaper last May, Hicks said for the first time that the pair would indeed use the profits made by the club itself - from the fans, essentially - to pay their interest.

"Hopefully the club will have extra cash flow so they can pay us a dividend to do that," Hicks said. "If they don't, then it will come from our pockets. But the club will have to have profits sufficient to pay those dividends."

As negotiations began with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia, Gillett and Hicks are understood to have intended the full new £350m loan, to fall on the club. The chief executive, Rick Parry, and Moores, the former majority shareholder, argued vehemently that it should not.

Hicks and Gillett are understood to have agreed with that finally, and the proposed new deal will see the cost of buying the club and the fees, £185m, secured on the holding company. Called Kop Investment, with a nod to the tradition Hicks has so lauded, the company is registered in the US State of Delaware, and owns the great football club via another Kop company, registered in the tax haven of the Cayman Islands.

The banks sent accountants in to inspect Liverpool's projected future earnings from tickets at 45,362 capacity Anfield, from the Premier League's bulging TV deal which so attracted Hicks in the first place, Champions League revenue, sponsorship and merchandising - and the banks are understood to have been satisfied the club will make enough to service a £350m loan. So despite the furore inflamed by Hicks' glaring admission that he and Gillett talked to Jürgen Klinsmann about the not-vacant manager's job, and DIC's interest in taking the club over, the banks and Hicks are maintaining that the refinancing will happen.

Gillett and Hicks are believed to have committed to putting in around £40m cash between them - their first actual spending on buying Liverpool - and providing substantial personal guarantees to secure the lending. But the fact that the £185m will be secured on their Kop group does not mean the club itself will not pay the interest. It could still be required to pay a dividend out of its profits as Manchester United are to the Glazers' holding company to service £525m of debt taken on to buy the club.

Hicks is, as he has stressed, a businessman, and it has seemed inconceivable that he would willingly sell now to DIC without a huge profit, which the Sheikh's private equity investment corporation is not prepared to pay. If the refinancing does go through, Liverpool will walk on, to a further £400m it will cost to build the dream new home on Stanley Park. A large proportion of that, possibly £300m, will need to be borrowed, secured on naming rights, sponsorship, Emirates-style entertaining and keenly judged ticket price increases, added to the £350m already loaned. That all adds up to a lot of debt, to finance an ambitious future.

Everton, meanwhile, are planning their move to a new stadium in Kirkby part-financed by Tesco, a cut-price deal which was backed by a majority of fans, but about which nobody seems overjoyed. Liverpool City Council would like all this instability to open up renewed discussions about a shared stadium, for which the costs could be divided up, but in bloody-minded L4, that remains way out of the question.

Such are football's mad loyalties in the 21st century, with Liverpool fans calling on Dubai International Capital, about whose plans little is known, to buy their club, but who would not countenance sharing a ground with their grand old neighbours from across the park.

Reds in the red

£298m Borrowed by the US businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks to buy Liverpool last year

£89.6m Paid out of that sum to David Moores for his 51.5% shareholding

£350m Due to be borrowed to refinance that loan

7% Approximate interest payable on the original loan

£300m Projected further loan to build Liverpool's new stadium

[Sound]

Bugger anyway.

Although I'd love to know what the author would have had the fans do? Form FC Liverpool? GO around with 'Not For Sale' signs?

[Rebelred]

and they laughed when the Glazers did the exact same thing at Old Trafford.

[Sound]

and they laughed when the Glazers did the exact same thing at Old Trafford.

We're living Utd's nightmare for sure. Glazer might be a twat but he hasn't confirmed that fact by spouting to the press all day.

Unlike Bosshog Hicks.

[scrumpy]

one DIC is better than two

[xvis]

Moores and Parry have compromised the club, ..but what were they to do?

They needed huge loans to finance the new stadium and to stay in competition with Arsenal, United and Chelsea. ..You could ask why couldn't Moores secure the same loans and do the same financing but Hicks and Gillett had the other seperate businesses to please the banks, in the same way that the Glaziers had other businesses to play against the banks.


..It's the old saying in that it takes money to make money, to play this kind of edgy bookkeeping.


Liverpool may have no choice but to bite their lips on this, in the same way as United, ..and at least they'll come out of it with a new stadium.


..modern football is a disgusting business.

[Sound]

Moores and Parry have compromised the club, ..but what were they to do?

They needed huge loans to finance the new stadium and to stay in competition with Arsenal, United and Chelsea. ..You could ask why couldn't Moores secure the same loans and do the same financing but Hicks and Gillett had the other seperate businesses to please the banks, in the same way that the Glaziers had other businesses to play against the banks.


..It's the old saying in that it takes money to make money, to play this kind of edgy bookkeeping.


Liverpool may have no choice but to bite their lips on this, in the same way as United, ..and at least they'll come out of it with a new stadium.


..modern football is a disgusting business.

Nail. Head.

[scrumpy]

i hope the DIC take over, these yanks are horrid

[ho chi feen]

That means money for the club to spend, so last summer, when Hicks and Gillett were again praised for "putting their hands in their pockets" to back Rafael Benítez with £26.5m to buy Fernando Torres and £11.5m for Ryan Babel, that was, in fact, also borrowed money.

That's not actually correct though. This season's purchases were (AFAIK) funded by last years CL run and player sales. Although yes, it's true, Hicks and Gillet haven't put a penny in. I don't know why people are so surprised at this- the texan said himself, on an video interview on MLB's site, asked if he was going to take money out of that team to put into Liverppool... "No. It's exactly the opposite.".

[ho chi feen]

and they laughed when the Glazers did the exact same thing at Old Trafford.

Nope, this is far worse again- at least Glazer stumped up a hefty whack of the cash before borrowing the rest. Very unstable situation.

[Teknique]

these yanks are horrid

what ?

[Teknique]

Moores and Parry have compromised the club, ..but what were they to do?



I dunno , look for some show of faith ? 50 million each deposit for the new stadium from their own pockets ? altho they prolly wudda got loans for that too

[RICH]

just heard on red fm news that a deal is pretty much done for another takeover at liverpool. dic are apparently going to pay approx €480 million to the yanks. don't know how accurate this is. anyone know anymore about this??

[Lamps]

its a story taken from todays mirror.

good to see red fm really pulling out all the stops

[RICH]

its a story taken from todays mirror.

good to see red fm really pulling out all the stops

they'll stop at nothing to get the latest scoops. except the centra up the road

[Papa Smurf]

http://www.football365.co.u k/story/0,17033,8652_3145037 ,00.html

[STEVIEG]

its a story taken from todays mirror.

good to see red fm really pulling out all the stops

Small local radio station in sourcing international news clip from widely reported international story shocker

wow, maybe they should post someone in Dubai just in case there is any breaking news tonight (Or maybe Cork football and hurling and soccer etc are more important?)