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Are Liverpool Now In The Hands Of The Americans?


Just when it seemed like Dubai International Capital were going to wrap up the takeover of Liverpool, they’ve only gone and pulled the plug on the entire deal. There was an announcement on the Liverpool website this evening that just read

he process of seeking new owners for the club is still underway and a decision on the future will be taken in the next few days.

Bit of a kick in the arse for Liverpool in fairness. I thought the deal was going to be done and dusted. With the club looking for new owners I’m hoping that its not a case of panic shopping, shopping ourselves to potential investors that is. So, with the Dubai group out of action are we now in the hands of the Americans? Namely the Mr Gillett himself. Will interest reappear from the Kraft family as was reported over the summer?

Reason being is that according to Sky Sports, David Moores and the rest of the board met up in London to refuse DIC’s bid for the club and to discuss “an improved offer” from George Gillett.

The offer had been accepted in principle by majority shareholder David Moores. It appears that the Liverpool board and the majority shareholder David Moores were unable to approve these terms in order to allow DIC to make a formal offer to all shareholders.

By the reading of various reports and the wording of DIC’s reaction, I get the impression that THEY got the impression that they were being ripped off and the offer being overpriced but I don’t think we’ll ever know a lot about the details of the offer. What I do like though is that even with DIC in due dilligence, George Gillett stood by and made a stronger offer and maintained his huge interest in investing in the club and if I’m to be honest I think I’d rather see him as the backer than the Dubai group. On one side money is money but I like what he’s done with his investment in American sports and I think his side of things would be good for the club overall.

Guess we’ll just have to wait a few days and see what develops around Anfield.

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4 Responses to “Are Liverpool Now In The Hands Of The Americans?”

  1. Paul Clerkin on January 31st, 2007 9:45 pm

    I’m a Habs fan too (Montreal Canadiens) and he’s been a good owner since he took over. He steps back and lets the GM do his thing. And the team is improving so it’s all good.

    An Interesting piece on the BBC
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A19411256

  2. fbach on January 31st, 2007 11:16 pm

    This must be the sound of shite hitting the fan. Looks like it’s all the way with usa.

  3. Ken McGuire on February 1st, 2007 1:31 am

    Shite maybe but I’ve I’ll agree with Paul, I’ve also seen the result of his work in the NHL and I’m impressed. Last thing you need is an Abromovich type - sure, the money works well but you hire a manager for a reason - guide the team, develop their finances but leave the day to day stuff to the proper people in the proper position…

    No doubt there’ll be more on it before the weekend and hopefully we can finally see the takeover being wrapped up - provided the right conditions are met of course.

    is there anything either of you would expect from the takeover or want to see?

  4. fbach on February 1st, 2007 5:05 am

    I agree it may turn out to be a better deal, but the whole saga is a really embarrassing one. Doesn’t advertise the club very nicely, and if Gillett falls through one of two things will happen:

    - We will be seen as desperate to sell and attract any old low life offers (not to mention Morgan stirring the shit yet again).
    - We will be seen as difficult to please and will fail to attract the right buyer.

    Or worse, both. The silence from the club is concerning, but it may be the dark before the dawn - I hope so anyway.

    What I want to see in a potential owner is at least the following:

    1. Debt guarantees.
    2. Ground share ruled out, now and forever.
    3. Commitment to the stadium construction for 2008/09 season completion.
    4. Appointed board including Moores as chairman.
    5. Commitment to not interfere with the daily running of the club.
    6. A commitment to excellence and passion for the club.

    All the above are essential and non-negotiable. I couldn’t caer less where they come from, so long as it isn’t the Taliban their origin is irrelevant.

    end of rant. ;)
    ps. I am actually very confident things will go well, but we cannot be complacent.

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