The story we posted two days ago has finally broke in the national media. Under strict financial legislation – companies need to disclose impending financial decisions and today both Liverpool FC and the Arabian Capital Investment group announced their on-going co-operation in a possible Liverpool takeover.
As we disclosed, the Dubai Investment Capital group have been granted exclusivity to look at Liverpool’s books and possibly proceed with what would amount to an initial £450 million cash injection.
On paper the £450 million stacks up as nearly £200 million to completely fund the new Liverpool FC stadium. Another £150 million on buying David Moores shareholding and up to £100 million on Liverpool’s ‘debt’s’. These debts however have been greatly exaggerated and are not true financial debts. They include for example salaries of players and staff up till the end of their contracts and unpaid transfer fees, but neglect to include income such as shirt sales, ticket sales, television money etc.
The Maktoum family who are principally behind the consortium are led by Sheikh Mohammed. He is worth an estimated £9 billion – dwarfing Roman Abramovich’s personal wealth.
Reaction:
Rafa Benitez:
“I have talked to the chairman (David Moores) and chief
executive (Rick Parry) about this and I was pleased with what I heard.
“At the moment I only really want to concentrate on the match here, but of course it is always good for a club to have more money and more possibilities.
“For now we are trying to be focused about the game, we will have plenty of time to talk about such things in the future.”
Rick Parry:
“Already they (DIC) have demonstrated a full understanding of, and respect for, the club’s heritage and values.”
“We also believe they share our passion for success. In particular, DIC believes in investing in the businesses it acquires.
“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.”
DIC Chief Executive:
“Dubai International Capital will be commencing due diligence in the coming days,” DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari said in a statement., without giving a value for any deal, which British newspapers said could be worth 450 million pounds.”Liverpool’s investment requirement (has) been well publicised and we hope we can agree a deal that will provide the club with the funds it needs both on and off the pitch,” the statement quoted DIC Chief Executive Sameer al-Ansari as saying.
Ansari, who has led other Dubai acquisitions including last year’s purchase of a $1 billion stake in DaimlerChrysler, also has a personal interest in this deal and uses the Liverpool emblem as a screensaver on his mobile phone.
“I’ve been a fan of Liverpool ever since I was kid,” said Ansari, 44, an Arab of Palestinian origin who was educated in England.
More news as and when we get it and there is on-going debate in the forum