Liverpool FC Forum

[RedSi35]

The Texan is on the verge of a £280million deal with The Blackstone/GSO Group to retain his share in the cash-stricken club and buy out partner George Gillett.
Despite the hatred towards him on Merseyside, Hicks told the rest of the Anfield board in a meeting this week the refinance agreement will be signed by October 1.

But in a move which will cause deep despair on Merseyside, the terms would ensure the American has until 2012 to find a buyer.

More worryingly for distraught Kop fans, the GSO deal does not involve any injection of cash for new players OR a new stadium.

And it will almost certainly lead to the departure of Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina.

That prospect is prompting the rest of the Liverpool board to mount a legal challenge to stop Hicks finalising negotiations but even those closest to the deal fear there is little they can do to prevent him taking full control of the club.

Hicks convened a three-hour board meeting in London on Wednesday, where he delivered the bombshell news of his plans to deal with Blackstone/GSO.

Blackstone are one of the biggest private equity firms in the world with its chairman Steve Schwarzman worth an estimated £3billion. He is also a close friend of Hicks.

The meeting at the Blackstone HQ in London's Hanover Square was attended by chairman Martin Broughton, chief exec Christian Purslow and director, Ian Ayre and Finance Director Philip Nash.

Tellingly, co-owner George Gillett was absent from those talks.

He's given Hicks the green light to pursue a deal and is reluctant to ally himself to the rest of the board against the Texan. Gillett has, however, told Hicks his support is conditional on investment in the squad and stadium. That may yet prove the key to blocking a deal.

However, Gillett has defaulted on his own loan to RBS, forcing him to concede a degree of power to his business partner.

Hicks told his board he has no obligation to sell to any investor for less than a price he deemed acceptable - and the board has no authority to prevent him repaying the RBS debt and keeping the club with whatever funds he likes.

Hicks bluntly told Broughton the idea of Liverpool being sold for the value of the club debt - £282m - is unacceptable.

Hicks believes he has the legal right to pursue the GSO deal in the absence of any formal bid for the club since the sale process began.

Despite feverish speculation at the time, neither Chinese businessman Kenny Huang nor Syrian Yayha Kirdi ever made an offer for Hicks and Gillett's shares.

Hicks will attempt to present GSO's involvement as a step in the right direction, despite the obvious concerns.

The Texan thinks the involvement of Blackstone offers a platform for further investment. Club sources are baffled as to why, having failed to sell the club for the last two years at such a high valuation, Hicks still believes he'll succeed in two more.

Purslow, Ayre and Broughton have successfully resisted refinance proposals before because they believe Hicks is reneging on his public announcement in April that he wished to sell his shares. This dispute has been the subject of a legal battle since June but there was always a fear the respite was temporary. A court hearing to decide the future of Liverpool FC now looks inevitable.

By 2012, the value of the club is more likely to have plummeted due to consecutive years without Champions League football.

As Sport of the World first revealed a month ago, Anfield is in the grip of a boardroom war over refinancing.

Behind the scenes, the most ferocious battle to decide the future of the club is being fought right now.

The outcome is likely to be decided in various legal offices of America and London. The only other hope is for a credible buyer to make an 11th-hour bid for the club. Hicks' proposals do not have the support of chairman Broughton, MD Christian Purslow or commercial director Ayre.

The independent Kop board fears the GSO deal represents a nightmare scenario for the club and destroys any hope of a brighter future at Anfield.

There are claims it will end any chance of a new stadium and lead to the inevitable departures of star men.

Players such as Torres and Reina have openly demanded a change of ownership. Extending a period of limbo will effectively ensure this is their last season at the club.

Planning permission for the new arena on Stanley Park will have expired by September, 2011. And the GSO deal will also mean the debt against the club rises and interest rates increase.

This doomsday picture will be contested by Hicks, who is in talks with Blackstone's senior managing director and GSO co-founder Bennett Goodman.


The US equity firm Blackstone, who own GSO, is one of the most wealthy and well respected in the financial world.

Their chief executive, Schwarzman, is worth an estimated £3bn and has been dubbed The King of Wall Street during an impressive financial career.

The 63-year-old was listed in 2008 as America's 53rd-richest person. A year earlier, Time magazine named him as one of the 100 most influential men in the world. He lists former Presidents and White House chiefs of staff among his friends. Blackstone's portfolio is vast and striking, including the London Eye. In normal circumstances, if such a company was interested in a full buy-out it would be a relief for Kop fans.

But there is unease because GSO have not declared any wish to take over the club, heavily invest in the squad, plough in finance for the stadium or retain any long-term interest.

They represent a short-term fix for Hicks. The only way Blackstone will own Liverpool FC is if Hicks defaults on his fresh loans in two years.

Blackstone/GSO's offer to Hicks effectively amounts to a multi-million bail-out.

They are loaning Hicks the money he desperately needs to refinance the £282.4m RBS debts and buy him extra time. Hicks will now have even longer to sell the club at the valuation of £600m he's been pursuing since the sale process began in April.

Just when Liverpool fans hoped the end of the American reign was nigh, they're now faced with the reality the period of uncertainty may continue.

Disillusionment among players and fans is already at epidemic levels.

The position of the current five-man board would also be subject to review. Barclays Capital's involvement in the sales process would effectively be over, as would Broughton's tenure as chairman.

That's why the rest of the Anfield hierarchy is desperate to block the deal and is adamant any refinance using Liverpool as collateral is illegal.

They have just two weeks to stop Hicks and find a buyer. Hicks expects terms to be signed by October 1, when the first chunk of the RBS debt must be repaid.

It's baffling to some why a financial tour de force such as Schwarzman is assisting Hicks.

GSO specialise in investing in distressed companies at high rates of interest but Hicks also appears to be benefiting from a personal friendship and political alliance with Blackstone's top man.

Cynics are already concluding that Hicks has convinced an old pal to help him out in a period of strife.

"A few weeks ago we were saying Hicks needed to pull a rabbit out of the hat," a Kop source told Sport of the World.

"It seems he's pulled out one of the biggest, wealthiest rabbits in Wall Street."

[Ciggy]

The Texan is on the verge of a £280million deal with The Blackstone/GSO Group to retain his share in the cash-stricken club and buy out partner George Gillett.

*Kills self*

[RedSi35]

Hicks believes he has the legal right to pursue the GSO deal in the absence of any formal bid for the club since the sale process began.

That's the worrying thing. In theabsenceof any other deal the hicks one is the only viable one to the creditors

[The Raven]

This has to end, soomething has to be done, however people will still go to games, the season ticket lads will not cancel them for fear of never getting them again.

BOYCOTT everything, The idea of a mass pitch invasion is a good one, the game being called off would maybe wake a few fans up enough to read whats happening.

Sick of it, not even bothered about todays game. 4th the season this is a fight to the death for the club.

[Redangel]

Just read this in Telegraph. Can't believe it !!

'Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is reported to have told the club’s board that he will sign a £281million refinancing deal to stay in charge at Anfield on Oct 1.

The American, who met Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton in London for talks last week, hopes the deal with the
Blackstone/GSO Group will allow him another two years to find a buyer for the Merseyside club, who face Manchester United today.

The deal reportedly does not include any funds to buy new players or to build a new stadium. The notion of Hicks remaining in charge could also lead to questions over the long-term futures of Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres, who have voiced concerns over the club’s ambitions under the American owners. Tom Hicks is reported to have told the club’s board that he will sign a £281million refinancing deal to stay in charge at Anfield on Oct 1.

Liverpool’s board must now decide whether they must mount a legal challenge to Hicks. There is uncertainty over whether the board can block his proposals. '

We really have got to step up the pressure now. If this happens we are doomed.
It's like being in the middle of a nightmare but you just can't wake up !!
I really , really hate that man.!!

[Ciggy]

Guys please send the emails the address's are in this topic http://www.liverpoolfc-newkit.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=1046312#p1046312

[Redangel]

Been sending emails for weeks now , most don't get read , but at least if we mess up their inbox they may get the message.
Just emailed Blackstone and let them know in no uncertain terms just how we feel about that man.
We need something to grab the attention , too many are unaware of the peril we are in.
Just don't know what we can do that's legal !!!

[Emerald Red]

USA needs to be blown off the fecking map bunch of backward b@stards.

Bit harsh isn't it? I'm sure our U.S com padre are with us on this

Couldnt give a if I'm bering honest. I don't give a about the good old U S of A. This is the shithole the c(nts are likely to get the finance from, because the country is a country full of backward hillbilly tw@ts.

Sorry for the attitude but that's how I feel.

Well That attitude doesn't help anyone .Especially when we are attempting a united campaign . We need every LFC supporter on board from every country around the globe . Use your bonce lash .

I'm using my bonce.You can be bankrupt in the UK in finance companies won't touch you with a bargepole, bankrupt in the goold old US of A and get finance. F(ck that.

I'll just the club off fully and live a quiet life. Do you think the people of America give a to$$?. Don't kid yourself.

But if it was blown off the map, we wouldn't have some cracking TV programs. We'd have bollox like Eastenders instead. On the upside, we wouldn't have w@nkers like Tom Cruise and Michael Bay polluting our screens either.

Fair enough. Whatever floats your boat. The only time I watch TV is when football is on, so I couldn't really give a flying f(ck what the Yanks produce tv wise or us for that matter.

I have more important things to chuck my time at other than televison, Each to their own and all that b0llocks.

It was tongue in cheek, fella.

[Emerald Red]

See, emails will only get you so far. I myself would prefer to take a more militant approach to Tom and GG. Like if I knew where they lived and lived close to them, I'd be round throwing bricks at the kunts windows with wee messages taped to them like "Get to f*ck, you fat headed w@nker!" or "Make sure you check under your car before you get in it" kinds of messages. Well, obviously not that far, but close.

Realistically, if any of these two are known to be showing up for any of the games (Hicks and GG would have some plums on them to be that daft from now on) then they need pelted with eggs, or dog sh*t, or both. Whatever's handy. Pickets need set up outside the ground. Sit down protests. Boycotts of everything. BUY THE F*CKING PROTEST SHIRT! We need a big visual impact and it must be relentless.

[The Raven]

Just caught those boys on sky, SOS where mentioned only for one of the nobs  to make the following commment,

"what they going to do? make a banner saying hicks out?"  Followed by a smirk.

Well mate, you will soon see what will happen and it might be a tad bit more than a banner.

[Ciggy]

Been sending emails for weeks now , most don't get read , but at least if we mess up their inbox they may get the message.
Just emailed Blackstone and let them know in no uncertain terms just how we feel about that man.
We need something to grab the attention , too many are unaware of the peril we are in.
Just don't know what we can do that's legal !!!

If the seed of doubt gets into the mind of these people that intend to lend money to this fecking b@stard they have to be aware of the fact that we have had enough now, and there will be boycotts from now on no money from the fans Tom Hicks cannot pay the banks.
People have to highlight this fact, enough is enough direct action smash that club shop up, wreck the stadium, as much disruption as possible is the only way forward.

[Emerald Red]

Just caught those boys on sky, SOS where mentioned only for one of the nobs  to make the following commment,

"what they going to do? make a banner saying hicks out?"  Followed by a smirk.

Well mate, you will soon see what will happen and it might be a tad bit more than a banner.

Who said that?

[The Raven]

See, emails will only get you so far. I myself would prefer to take a more militant approach to Tom and GG. Like if I knew where they lived and lived close to them, I'd be round throwing bricks at the kunts windows with wee messages taped to them like "Get to f*ck, you fat headed w@nker!" or "Make sure you check under your car before you get in it" kinds of messages. Well, obviously not that far, but close.

Realistically, if any of these two are known to be showing up for any of the games (Hicks and GG would have some plums on them to be that daft from now on) then they need pelted with eggs, or dog sh*t, or both. Whatever's handy. Pickets need set up outside the ground. Sit down protests. Boycotts of everything. BUY THE F*CKING PROTEST SHIRT! We need a big visual impact and it must be relentless.

+1

We need to get this message to the other fans, we need to stand together. This wont work unless we get the support of 50% of the fans.


We are soon to be at war, and we cant afford to lose it.

[NANNY RED]

The problem is now is it too late, While youve had a few thousand fans demostrating and protesting about these two for a couple of years, youve had other supporters saying get behind the team the off the pitch stuff will take care of itself. Now more fans can see what could turn into our demise they are only now sitting up and taking notice and only now want to do something about it, But as i said is it to late .
Ive been there since the beginning fighting to get rid of these two ive spoke, tried to coherse ,explain , educate , do anything possible to try and make other fans sit up and take notice of what these two t.wats were and are doing , Even up until the last couple of games last season you had someone by me still saying well they bought us Torres and Mascherano and there gonna build us a new stadium. All said in there brand spanking new half an half scarfs and there carrier bag from the club shop.  thats what your up against, 

Ive thought hundreds of times why should i bother , just go the game keep my mouth shut and support the team like i have done since i was a kid, But i cant ,i cant see these two rip apart something i love, ive done the emails to death ive done the marches ,ive done the protests, ive boycotted any merchandise, I just wished there was thousands and thousands more who had done the same , This season i needed to decide weather to carry on going the match. Should i go and carry on with my love and support for the lads and keep on being voiceful in trying to rid the vermin , yet at the same time putting money in there pockets, Well the only home  games im gonna go to is the ones that we are gonna make a stand , enough is enough . ive had it , No more money  from me
But with only 2 weeks left is it to late,

[The Raven]

See, emails will only get you so far. I myself would prefer to take a more militant approach to Tom and GG. Like if I knew where they lived and lived close to them, I'd be round throwing bricks at the kunts windows with wee messages taped to them like "Get to f*ck, you fat headed w@nker!" or "Make sure you check under your car before you get in it" kinds of messages. Well, obviously not that far, but close.

Realistically, if any of these two are known to be showing up for any of the games (Hicks and GG would have some plums on them to be that daft from now on) then they need pelted with eggs, or dog sh*t, or both. Whatever's handy. Pickets need set up outside the ground. Sit down protests. Boycotts of everything. BUY THE F*CKING PROTEST SHIRT! We need a big visual impact and it must be relentless.

Well i will give you one guess.........I wont mention his rag or his name.


However richardson from express mentioned SOS And said the fans wont put up with it.

then said "what they going to do about it"

He explained boycotting as a start,

reply, "what they going to do leave the kop empty? stick some banners up saying hicks out?"

Well pal i think we made our point over that lump of rag you work for.