John William Henry - potential new owner
The following statement has been released on the Liverpool FC website
Liverpool Football Club today announces that the Board has agreed the sale of the Club to New England Sports Ventures (NESV).
New England Sports Ventures currently owns a portfolio of companies including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing.
Martin Broughton, Liverpool FC Chairman, said:
“I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive. The Board decided to accept NESV’s proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV’s philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox.
“We’ve met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club.
“By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. I am only disappointed that the owners have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale.”
The sale is conditional on Premier League approval, resolution of the dispute concerning Board membership and other matters.
Liverpool’s 5 man board consist of Tom Hicks, George Gillett, Christian Purslow, Ian Ayre and chairman Martin Broughton.
Martin Broughton was installed under the terms of the RBS loan which expires in 9 days and as such he cannot be removed from the board. Both Tom Hicks and George Gillett voted against the sale and are now legally trying to remove Purslow and Ayre from the Anfield board.
This matter is a long way from over. If Hicks and Gillett do not allow the sale, in 9 days time the club will face a £45M penalty fee from RBS, and the state-owned bank will take over Liverpool Football Club and then find a buyer.