Spanish investor - Anyone heard of this?
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by The Ace1983 » Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:51 am
I was watching SSN this morning and they were running through today's back pages and the Daily Express was running with a story about some Spanish bloke who wants to invest heavily in LFC. Anyone got the details? I'll try and find the article, but if anyone already has it, post it here.
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by dawson99 » Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:53 am
I read that yesterday and asked cool hand luke, who told me this about the investor (see, i can be helpful 
)
Juan Villalonga Navarro (born April 8, 1953) was appointed chairman of Telefónica, Spain's major telecom operator, in spring 1996. The post is one of the most influential in Spain. He was forced to resign in July 2000, following allegations of insider trading - but by then, he had increased the value of the company five-fold, and he left with a $25 m golden handshake. After staying in the background for seven months, his appointment to the board of directors of Univision, the US Spanish-language television network, was announced in February 2001.
Villalonga graduated in Law and Economics at the prestigious Deusto University in the Basque Country and holds a Master's in Business Administration from the Institute of Advanced Economic Studies in Barcelona. He was a partner at McKinsey & Co., based in the U.S., Portugal, Italy and Spain during his nine-year association with the consulting firm. Later he worked as a chief executive for the CS First Boston business bank's Spanish branch, and next for Bankers Trust, which sought to benefit from his excellent contacts in Madrid's political and business circles.
Villalonga was a childhood friend of Spanish premier José María Aznar, who picked Villalonga for the post of Telefónica supremo. Observers felt his appointment owed to the Spanish government's desire to have someone sympathetic, amenable and docile in the top seat at Telefónica, but Villalonga soon proved he had his own ideas on how the company should be run, and his tenure was characterized by a series of daring moves.
He consolidated the company's already strong position in Latin America, where Telefónica controls much of the telecom industry. He also concentrated on securing Telefónica's leading position in Spain in the face of new competition once the company lost the monopoly position it enjoyed until European Union regulations enforced a liberalization of the Spanish telecom market. In 1995, the first private cellular phone company (Airtel) was started. More cell phone operators and, later, land-line phone companies followed. In a final step, at the end of 2000, Telefónica was due to lose its monopoly over local telephone calls. Villalonga's strategy was to reduce the company's dependence on the Spanish market by spreading to Latin America and Europe, and by diversifying into other sectors such as television.
At the end of 1998 Villalonga launched Telefónica Interactiva, which the following year would become Terra, Telefónica's Internet portal, with the purchase and incorporation into the portal of Olé, one of the first of Spain's search engines. By September 1999 Terra had invested some $600 million buying up portal companies in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and other Latin American countries. In November 1999 Terra went public and its shares rose spectacularly, amid controversy over stock options held by Telefónica executives.
In May 2000, in its most spectacular move, Telefónica announced the purchase of America's Lycos for $12.5 billion in stock, opening the US market of 30 million Spanish speakers to their portal Terra, and giving it access to parts of the world where Terra did not have a foothold, such as Asia.
But Villalonga's relationship with the government started to become strained in 1999, when Villalonga left his wife Concha Tallada, a close friend of Aznar's wife Ana Botella, for the vivacious Adriana Abascal, 18 years his junior and widow of Mexican TV magnate Emilio Azcárraga. Aznar, facing an upcoming general election, was also worried about controversy over the Terra stock option plan benefiting top Telefónica executives. In mid-June 2000 Villalonga came under attack by the Madrid daily El Mundo, edited by Pedro J Ramirez, which reported that he'd been involved in insider trading. Villalonga came under investigation by Spain's securities watchdog committee, the CNMV, amid rumours that he would be forced to step down as Telefonica chairman. He finally handed in his resignation in July 2000.
The day after leaving Telefónica, Villalonga attended his mother's funeral in Madrid. That was to be his last public appearance in 2000, and he spent most of the year in the US, while everyone wondered what project Villalonga would turn his talents to next. A position at Cisco Systems was initially mooted. In the end, though, Villalonga joined the American Spanish-language Univision network as a board member in February 2001. Meanwhile Bob Davis, founder of Lycos with whom Villalonga had hatched the Terra-Lycos match, resigned as CE of the resulting company at the beginning of February. He had gotten along famously with Villalonga, but never managed to establish a good working relationship with the new Terra Lycos president, Joaquim Agut, appointed after Villalonga's departure.
http://www.spainview.com/people/biog_villalonga.html
)Juan Villalonga Navarro (born April 8, 1953) was appointed chairman of Telefónica, Spain's major telecom operator, in spring 1996. The post is one of the most influential in Spain. He was forced to resign in July 2000, following allegations of insider trading - but by then, he had increased the value of the company five-fold, and he left with a $25 m golden handshake. After staying in the background for seven months, his appointment to the board of directors of Univision, the US Spanish-language television network, was announced in February 2001.
Villalonga graduated in Law and Economics at the prestigious Deusto University in the Basque Country and holds a Master's in Business Administration from the Institute of Advanced Economic Studies in Barcelona. He was a partner at McKinsey & Co., based in the U.S., Portugal, Italy and Spain during his nine-year association with the consulting firm. Later he worked as a chief executive for the CS First Boston business bank's Spanish branch, and next for Bankers Trust, which sought to benefit from his excellent contacts in Madrid's political and business circles.
Villalonga was a childhood friend of Spanish premier José María Aznar, who picked Villalonga for the post of Telefónica supremo. Observers felt his appointment owed to the Spanish government's desire to have someone sympathetic, amenable and docile in the top seat at Telefónica, but Villalonga soon proved he had his own ideas on how the company should be run, and his tenure was characterized by a series of daring moves.
He consolidated the company's already strong position in Latin America, where Telefónica controls much of the telecom industry. He also concentrated on securing Telefónica's leading position in Spain in the face of new competition once the company lost the monopoly position it enjoyed until European Union regulations enforced a liberalization of the Spanish telecom market. In 1995, the first private cellular phone company (Airtel) was started. More cell phone operators and, later, land-line phone companies followed. In a final step, at the end of 2000, Telefónica was due to lose its monopoly over local telephone calls. Villalonga's strategy was to reduce the company's dependence on the Spanish market by spreading to Latin America and Europe, and by diversifying into other sectors such as television.
At the end of 1998 Villalonga launched Telefónica Interactiva, which the following year would become Terra, Telefónica's Internet portal, with the purchase and incorporation into the portal of Olé, one of the first of Spain's search engines. By September 1999 Terra had invested some $600 million buying up portal companies in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and other Latin American countries. In November 1999 Terra went public and its shares rose spectacularly, amid controversy over stock options held by Telefónica executives.
In May 2000, in its most spectacular move, Telefónica announced the purchase of America's Lycos for $12.5 billion in stock, opening the US market of 30 million Spanish speakers to their portal Terra, and giving it access to parts of the world where Terra did not have a foothold, such as Asia.
But Villalonga's relationship with the government started to become strained in 1999, when Villalonga left his wife Concha Tallada, a close friend of Aznar's wife Ana Botella, for the vivacious Adriana Abascal, 18 years his junior and widow of Mexican TV magnate Emilio Azcárraga. Aznar, facing an upcoming general election, was also worried about controversy over the Terra stock option plan benefiting top Telefónica executives. In mid-June 2000 Villalonga came under attack by the Madrid daily El Mundo, edited by Pedro J Ramirez, which reported that he'd been involved in insider trading. Villalonga came under investigation by Spain's securities watchdog committee, the CNMV, amid rumours that he would be forced to step down as Telefonica chairman. He finally handed in his resignation in July 2000.
The day after leaving Telefónica, Villalonga attended his mother's funeral in Madrid. That was to be his last public appearance in 2000, and he spent most of the year in the US, while everyone wondered what project Villalonga would turn his talents to next. A position at Cisco Systems was initially mooted. In the end, though, Villalonga joined the American Spanish-language Univision network as a board member in February 2001. Meanwhile Bob Davis, founder of Lycos with whom Villalonga had hatched the Terra-Lycos match, resigned as CE of the resulting company at the beginning of February. He had gotten along famously with Villalonga, but never managed to establish a good working relationship with the new Terra Lycos president, Joaquim Agut, appointed after Villalonga's departure.
http://www.spainview.com/people/biog_villalonga.html
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by kazza » Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:55 am
Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga is hoping to buy a stake in Liverpool.
The Reds have been seeking new investment for some time as they look to continue plans to move away from Anfield.
All previous attempts to find potential investors have failed to bear fruition with David Moores still the majority shareholder at Anfield.
Reports claim Spanish tycoon Villalonga has held talks with Liverpool officials to discuss investment ideas.
Villalonga, who is former president of Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica, is thought to be leading a consortium ready to buy a stake in the European Cup holders.
The Spaniard is keen to transform Liverpool and is already planning in the long term.
"I want Liverpool to change from a domestically focused club into a global force," Villalonga told the Daily Express.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will be willing to agree a deal with Villalonga as a number of other parties are thought to have expressed an interest in buying a stake in the club.
The Reds have been seeking new investment for some time as they look to continue plans to move away from Anfield.
All previous attempts to find potential investors have failed to bear fruition with David Moores still the majority shareholder at Anfield.
Reports claim Spanish tycoon Villalonga has held talks with Liverpool officials to discuss investment ideas.
Villalonga, who is former president of Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica, is thought to be leading a consortium ready to buy a stake in the European Cup holders.
The Spaniard is keen to transform Liverpool and is already planning in the long term.
"I want Liverpool to change from a domestically focused club into a global force," Villalonga told the Daily Express.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will be willing to agree a deal with Villalonga as a number of other parties are thought to have expressed an interest in buying a stake in the club.
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by tubby » Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:57 am
Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga - the latest person to be linked with potential investment into the club - believes he can quadruple Liverpool's income if he's onboard.
The London-based controversial character is reportedly prepared to buy a stake in the club for £42million but there's no mention of any additional funding at this time although there are claims that he would be prepared to inject "massive cash".
Villalonga has employed Rothschilds to negotiate with Price Waterhouse Coopers who are acting on behalf of LFC who have refused to comment.
There are many question marks over his head though about his business activities with accusations of insider trading when he was president of Telefonica which eventually saw him resign from his position.
It is also unclear as to where where the money would come from, be it out of his own pocket or from the pockets of a consortium.
He has business interests around the world including his own construction business which builds low-cost housing in Eastern Europe and Latin America. He's also president of London-based internet telecom giant Telnic.
Liverpool have been looking for a minor investment like this one (in simple terms) rather than a total take-over/buy out which is what L4 were proposing.
The London-based controversial character is reportedly prepared to buy a stake in the club for £42million but there's no mention of any additional funding at this time although there are claims that he would be prepared to inject "massive cash".
Villalonga has employed Rothschilds to negotiate with Price Waterhouse Coopers who are acting on behalf of LFC who have refused to comment.
There are many question marks over his head though about his business activities with accusations of insider trading when he was president of Telefonica which eventually saw him resign from his position.
It is also unclear as to where where the money would come from, be it out of his own pocket or from the pockets of a consortium.
He has business interests around the world including his own construction business which builds low-cost housing in Eastern Europe and Latin America. He's also president of London-based internet telecom giant Telnic.
Liverpool have been looking for a minor investment like this one (in simple terms) rather than a total take-over/buy out which is what L4 were proposing.
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tubby - >> LFC Elite Member <<
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by tubby » Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:59 am
This just in the echo.
Investor's £42m Anfield offer likely to be rejected Mar 27 2006
By Graham Davies Daily Post Staff
LIVERPOOL FC is unlikely to entertain a bid by a Spanish millionaire to buy a £42m stake in the club.
London-based Juan Villalonga is reportedly in talks with chairman David Moores to invest in Anfield and turn Liverpool into a "global force".
But the Daily Post understands club officials are unlikely to entertain his offer, despite uncertainty over funding for its proposed new stadium in Stanley Park.
Yesterday, Mr Villalonga, 52, was reported to have pledged: "I want Liverpool to change from a domestically-focused club into a global force."
Investment has become a key issue for Liverpool as the club attempts to compete with the financial muscle of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT
The new stadium at Stanley Park, with an enhanced capacity of 60,000, has been seen as a major plank in that strategy but the costs have risen considerably since it was first mooted five years ago, up from £80m to anything between £150m and £200m.
Speculation continues that an announcement on an investor is imminent, but none has yet materialised.
Mr Moores has so far declined to reduce his stake in the club below the 51% which gives him an automatic majority.
An attempt for a £70m investment by local businessman Steve Morgan collapsed in 2004, as did a £60m deal with the Thai government. A deal with US tycoon Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots American football team, was also thought possible after LFC chief executive Rick Parry was spotted watching his team last year but there has been no progress since, in public at least.
It is understood Mr Villalonga believes he can quadruple Anfield income by modernising the management and building a marketing campaign in the United States.
He has employed Rothschilds to negotiate with Liverpool, it was reported.
Mr Villalonga is a personal friend of former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who appointed him president of Telefonica, the Spanish equivalent of BT, 10 years ago.
He walked away with a golden handshake of £14.5m in 2000 and joined the board of American Spanish-language network Univision the following year.
It is unclear whether the money he wants to invest in Liverpool is from his personal fortune or whether he will head a consortium of British businessmen.
He also owns a construction firm which builds low-cost housing in eastern Europe and Latin America, and is president of telecom company, Telnic, in London.
He has a number of financial consultancies and other telecom interests in countries such as Russia, Portugal and the US.
A Liverpool FC spokesman last night refused to comment on Mr Villalonga's reported offer.
graham.davies@liverpool.com
Investor's £42m Anfield offer likely to be rejected Mar 27 2006
By Graham Davies Daily Post Staff
LIVERPOOL FC is unlikely to entertain a bid by a Spanish millionaire to buy a £42m stake in the club.
London-based Juan Villalonga is reportedly in talks with chairman David Moores to invest in Anfield and turn Liverpool into a "global force".
But the Daily Post understands club officials are unlikely to entertain his offer, despite uncertainty over funding for its proposed new stadium in Stanley Park.
Yesterday, Mr Villalonga, 52, was reported to have pledged: "I want Liverpool to change from a domestically-focused club into a global force."
Investment has become a key issue for Liverpool as the club attempts to compete with the financial muscle of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT
The new stadium at Stanley Park, with an enhanced capacity of 60,000, has been seen as a major plank in that strategy but the costs have risen considerably since it was first mooted five years ago, up from £80m to anything between £150m and £200m.
Speculation continues that an announcement on an investor is imminent, but none has yet materialised.
Mr Moores has so far declined to reduce his stake in the club below the 51% which gives him an automatic majority.
An attempt for a £70m investment by local businessman Steve Morgan collapsed in 2004, as did a £60m deal with the Thai government. A deal with US tycoon Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots American football team, was also thought possible after LFC chief executive Rick Parry was spotted watching his team last year but there has been no progress since, in public at least.
It is understood Mr Villalonga believes he can quadruple Anfield income by modernising the management and building a marketing campaign in the United States.
He has employed Rothschilds to negotiate with Liverpool, it was reported.
Mr Villalonga is a personal friend of former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, who appointed him president of Telefonica, the Spanish equivalent of BT, 10 years ago.
He walked away with a golden handshake of £14.5m in 2000 and joined the board of American Spanish-language network Univision the following year.
It is unclear whether the money he wants to invest in Liverpool is from his personal fortune or whether he will head a consortium of British businessmen.
He also owns a construction firm which builds low-cost housing in eastern Europe and Latin America, and is president of telecom company, Telnic, in London.
He has a number of financial consultancies and other telecom interests in countries such as Russia, Portugal and the US.
A Liverpool FC spokesman last night refused to comment on Mr Villalonga's reported offer.
graham.davies@liverpool.com
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by The Ace1983 » Mon Mar 27, 2006 10:12 am
Kind of puts this whole "desperate for investment" feeling to bed when we can say no to £42m! Things are lookin up whether it's this guy or someone else.
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by Redman in wales » Mon Mar 27, 2006 1:14 pm
from BBC sport:
Spaniard's bid for Reds unlikely
By Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Villalonga has been linked with a takeover at Liverpool
Spanish tycoon Juan Villalonga's interest in investing in Liverpool is unlikely to lead to him buying a stake in the Anfield club.
The former president of Telecoms giants Telefonica has been linked with Liverpool after the club admitted they were searching for fresh investment.
Liverpool have been linked with a variety of potential suitors.
But BBC Sport understands that while Villalonga may be keen on Liverpool, a deal is not expected to materialise.
It is understood Liverpool are aware of his interest, but claims that he has held talks with chairman David Moores are wide of the mark.
Villalonga received a reported £14m pay-off when he left Telefonica last year, and Liverpool are a major source of interest in Spain, with Rafael Benitez as manager and internationals Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Morientes in their side.
Liverpool appointed financial advisors Hawkpoint in March 2004 to seek out potential investors, but the search has so far proved fruitless.
Kraft admits Liverpool interest
Local building magnate Steve Morgan failed in his bid to buy into the club, and Liverpool have also been linked with American billionaire Robert Kraft.
Chief executive Rick Parry held talks in the US with the Krafts, who own New England Patriots NFL team, but Liverpool insisted he was merely fulfilling a long-standing invitation.
But it is understood talks are still continuing with a number of parties as Liverpool attempt to fund a £170m ground move and provide cash for Benitez to strengthen his squad.
Spaniard's bid for Reds unlikely
By Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Villalonga has been linked with a takeover at Liverpool
Spanish tycoon Juan Villalonga's interest in investing in Liverpool is unlikely to lead to him buying a stake in the Anfield club.
The former president of Telecoms giants Telefonica has been linked with Liverpool after the club admitted they were searching for fresh investment.
Liverpool have been linked with a variety of potential suitors.
But BBC Sport understands that while Villalonga may be keen on Liverpool, a deal is not expected to materialise.
It is understood Liverpool are aware of his interest, but claims that he has held talks with chairman David Moores are wide of the mark.
Villalonga received a reported £14m pay-off when he left Telefonica last year, and Liverpool are a major source of interest in Spain, with Rafael Benitez as manager and internationals Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Fernando Morientes in their side.
Liverpool appointed financial advisors Hawkpoint in March 2004 to seek out potential investors, but the search has so far proved fruitless.
Kraft admits Liverpool interest
Local building magnate Steve Morgan failed in his bid to buy into the club, and Liverpool have also been linked with American billionaire Robert Kraft.
Chief executive Rick Parry held talks in the US with the Krafts, who own New England Patriots NFL team, but Liverpool insisted he was merely fulfilling a long-standing invitation.
But it is understood talks are still continuing with a number of parties as Liverpool attempt to fund a £170m ground move and provide cash for Benitez to strengthen his squad.
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Redman in wales - >> LFC Elite Member <<
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by onizukaeikichi » Mon Mar 27, 2006 3:33 pm
The latest whispers from the city of Liverpool suggest that the Reds are not interested in doing business with Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga.
Villalonga has confirmed he would like to become involved at Anfield but the latest reports on Merseyside claim his current proposals are of no interest to chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry.
This could of course change though but something doesn't sound right to us at this time.
WTF? i tot we needed money.. is parry being a bitch again?
Villalonga has confirmed he would like to become involved at Anfield but the latest reports on Merseyside claim his current proposals are of no interest to chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry.
This could of course change though but something doesn't sound right to us at this time.
WTF? i tot we needed money.. is parry being a bitch again?
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by drummerphil » Mon Mar 27, 2006 4:45 pm
Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga is hoping to buy a stake in Liverpool.
i wonder which restaurant he will be going too.......
i wonder which restaurant he will be going too.......
my reason for living
Bob Paisley : "Still we've had the hard times too - one year we finished second."
...
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by 48-1119859832 » Mon Mar 27, 2006 4:56 pm
It is understood Mr Villalonga believes he can quadruple Anfield income by modernising the management and building a marketing campaign in the United States.
Why is it every Billionnaire tycoon wants to buy into a club and make it a brand/PLC? It's feckin ridiculous and annoys the hell out of me. I'd rather wait another twenty years to see us competing with the best on a consistant level than take the easy option and haul in a clueless billionnaire who wouldn't care about ruining the traditions & values of a club who just wants to make money by making a football club into a global brand.
I say no this feller & any other clueless muppet who wants to make us a brand.
- 48-1119859832
by Sabre » Mon Mar 27, 2006 5:01 pm
Juan Villalonga Navarro (born April 8, 1953) was appointed chairman of Telefónica,
YIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKESSSSS
Hands off!!! you corrupt bástard!!!
The agenda of that guy is his pocket. Be warned.
SOS member #1499
Drummerphil, never forgotten.
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Sabre - >> LFC Elite Member <<
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