Liverpool FC Forum

by **Redman in wales** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:47 pm

Reg wrote:
Number 9 wrote:My main worry is that it is gonna be a rushed decision!

We need players so we are gonna have to get the deal done with time left to sign some before the window closes.
Now... last time we were up for sale we had people at the club like Parry and Moores who are still to this day loyal fans(yes they made a terrible choice) but that is history now!

now we have "businessmen" making the choice with between 4-6 potential owners knowing we are in a rush to sell and selling themselves to the club like a pack of wh'ores to get their foot in the door!They will all promise the world,they will all put together offers that sound too good to be true!

The price we go for is totally irrelevant....it does not matter if its £350 million or £450 million.....the worry is that we may get sold to someone just like the yanks,or worse.

The main priority is that we get sold to someone who does what they promise and is prepared to put money into the club,get the stadium built and get money into the squad and stay for the longhaul...whoever takes over its gonna take a long time before they profit.

The way it works now though is that some rich dude can come in,buy the club invest £50m...raise the clubs value by £100m and sell it to someone in a few years time..making them take on the debt as well!!

Its no different than buying a run down house for £100 k spending £30k on it and selling it for £180k sadly,people do it all the time!..... its just on a bigger scale..and LFC is the house!

Baz.... the terrible publicity T&T have attracted onto RBS, the FA/EPL, the sponsers, the players and the fans.... Broughton and the board would be very, very silly to rush into any deal prior to doing a very thorough and complete diligence on the bidders plus analysis of their terms and 5 year plans.

I 'hope'..... when Broughton says he has identified the most suitable buyer, that he will be right. And that the buyer has the means to buy the club and fulfill his strategy.

Tis exactly what scottbot said this morning and I agreed with him then.

We shouldnt rush anything through for the trabnsfer window. priority should be to find the right buyer for the long term.

We need that new stadium built to keep up with the revenue streams to try and become more self sufficient. No debt on the club, no interest payments, and greater income from stadium and acheivements on the field (which is inturn brought about by investment into the team)

by **Reg** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:50 pm

Devany, if you dont like this thread then simply dont come in!

The Echo website is following the saga as closely, probably more accurately as well.

After 932 pages we all know what this thread is about, those who enjoy the tattle - stay, those who dont, go read other posts.

I dont see the complication.

by **tubby** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:50 pm

CANADIAN-BASED GROUP IN NEGOTIATIONS TO BUY LIVERPOOL

MONTREAL -- A Canadian-based Syrian businessman leading a consortium to buy the storied Liverpool soccer team says he is looking to not only build the troubled club but the British city as well.

Yahya Kirdi, who was born in Syria but came to Canada eight years ago, told The Canadian Press he has ambitious plans if he takes over the Premier League club.

"I want to build Liverpool," he said Wednesday from his home near Montreal.

The economic impact for the port city best known for spawning the Beatles in the 1960s would likely be most strongly felt because of a proposed stadium that is a key part of the deal being negotiated by Kirdi and his group.

"I have a new plan which I have given (Liverpool co-owner) George Gillett," Kirdi said of the stadium.

"This one is not only a stadium but also a stadium and hotel, five star, and shopping centre."

The facility would also include a solarium to generate solar power, which would be provided to Liverpudlians.

He said he has already been in contact with French and Swiss companies that have built stadiums in the Middle East.

"Everybody who wants to come into Liverpool wants to take the money and go outside," Kirdi said, adding he wants to help the community.

Tom Hicks and former Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. put the soccer club on the auction block in April after being squeezed by banks over the team's debt of C$386.5 million (237 million pounds).

Kirdi was born in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo in 1966 and played soccer for hometown clubs Al-Itihad and Al-Oruba in the 1980s as well as the national youth team.

He represents a group of investors from the Middle East and Canada and says he has been trying to secure the deal for the last five months.

The consortium could face competition from Chinese investor Kenny Huang, chairman of the Hong Kong-based investment company QSL Sports, who issued a statement Wednesday expressing his interest in the club.

"Mr. Huang would like to emphasize that he has registered interest in investing in Liverpool FC but has made no formal bid," his Hong Kong representatives said.

Huang is co-chairman of both the National Basketball League of China and the Chinese Baseball League.

Martin Broughton, who was brought in as Liverpool chairman to oversee the sale process, said he hopes a buyer for the club can be found before the transfer window closes Aug. 31.

Kirdi announced in a statement Wednesday that his group is in "advanced negotiations" with Hicks and Gillett to buy them out.

"Agreement has been reached on all major terms including the purchase price, repayment of the existing bank debt from RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) and Wells Fargo and financing of a new stadium in Liverpool's Stanley Park," the statement said. "A formal purchase agreement between the parties is in the final stage of negotiation."

But according to the Guardian newspaper, Kirdi made similar claims earlier this year and had previously been dismissed as a serious bidder by the club.

Kirdi, who also oversees investments in Europe and North America, pledged to invest in the squad, which dropped from Premier League runner-up to seventh place last season -- denying them a spot in this season's Champions League.

"Liverpool is a massive football club with passionate and proud fans in Merseyside and in every part of the world," Kirdi said. "With additional money to improve the squad and financing in place to build the new stadium, LFC will be on a solid foundation to compete in the Premiership and in Europe for years to come."

He was reluctant to criticize the current owners in the interview, calling them "friends." But he allowed they may not have understood soccer that well, adding he believes it may have hurt that the owners weren't more involved.

"The owners, you have to follow the team every day," he said.

While Liverpool's Premier League campaign begins against Arsenal on Aug. 15, the five-time European champions host Rabotnicki on Thursday in the Europa League's third qualifying round, leading 2-0 from the first leg.

"I can only hope if the club changes hands it goes to a group of people who have the club's fortune and future at heart and that they will do the right thing by the club," Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said. "If a new owner comes in it is very important he makes clear to the supporters of this club, a worldwide institution, that they are buying it for the right reasons."

Kirdi, who says he has worked as a senior consultant with AIG in the Middle East, is still active in soccer as a coach and has many contacts through his playing days and work with FIFA, the sport's governing board.

He declined to discuss many other personal details, particularly about his family, citing privacy, but he has been active on the business front, recently negotiating to buy six CRJ1000 aircraft from Bombardier.

The list price for each of the 100-passenger jets is $43.95 million.

Kirdi says his efforts to generate business is his way of giving back to his adopted country.

"I want to give something good for Canada, to return what they give me -- good health, good security. They give me everything."

He says he chose Canada because he felt at home here.

"I've visited all the world, believe me. North, south, Africa, Europe, the United States, Middle East -- I like Canada in general and Quebec especially.

"When my airplane arrived at the Montreal airport, I opened my heart because this is my country."

---

With files from The Associated Press

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=329499

by **devaney** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:55 pm

Reg wrote:Devany, if you dont like this thread then simply dont come in!

The Echo website is following the saga as closely, probably more accurately as well.

After 932 pages we all know what this thread is about, those who enjoy the tattle - stay, those who dont, go read other posts.

I dont see the complication.

Reg - exactly where did I say that I didn't like the thread. I rank it up there with Emmerdale and Corrie!

by **Igor Zidane** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:58 pm

REG I'M IN POMPEY LAD,I KNOW AS MUCH AS YOU! What i would hope is that SOS get in contact with all bidders and ask questions of them , It's not in SOS's remit to back one bid or another(only a fans bid) but to call all potential owners to account . That's how i see it mate.

by **Emerald Red** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:58 pm

Women.

by **Dundalk** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:59 pm

Emerald Red wrote:Women.

by **Ciggy** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:18 pm

Reg wrote:I repeat my question about what SOS is up to and whether they are undertaking independent diligence on the bidders, whether they have an input into any of the negotiations and whether a fan representative is being discussed with any and all of the bidders. If they are shut out now at the beginnning, they will never make any progress.

This is from Graham Smith Reg its not much I know but loads of topics have been locked on RAWK this is all I could find.

We have been regularly consulted over the last three years by potential buyers and it will be no different this time.

I can't see how someone prepared to speak prior to obtaining control can be less trustworthy than someone who refuses to - that's illogical.

Wholly different set of circumstances in what they say and how they say it - but at least we'd all know their intentions and would be able to hold them to account if they lie.

All we want to do is get as much information out to our members as early as possible so people see what we are potentially getting ourselves into.

We can't trust the media and we can't trust the bidders (until they earn that trust) but asking questions now is the way forward, not sitting moaning in six months when we may have replaced one lot of blaggers for another set.

The supporters are the only custodians that can be truly trusted and this was the problem last time - no supporter "due diligence".

The world has changed for LFC and any prosective owner is buying something with a much more sophisticated and sceptical supporter base than last time.

Ignoring that would be at their peril.

Huang is very focussed on the RBS debt as his tactic to gain control or a foothold in the Club.

Due diligence while relevant has a limited use if you are seeking to buy the Club for effectively zero.

What I can't fathom is the second wave strategy. He gets the RBS debt and has an element of influence over the owners. But they are still owed significant sums by the Club - I assume his offer is then merely to say he will repay those loans in full as the best offer thet will get for their shareholding and "Here's your hat and coat the next bus stateside is at 6".

Not certain this strategy stacks up completely as the owners (Hicks especially) have little compunction about the assets they have in any romantic sense (the baseball bankruptcy for one) and might say to Huang "Pay the loans off" but we won't transfer the shares. Huang's only option then is to call in the ex-RBS loan through insolvency proceedings - result? Hicks and Gillett get nothing for their shares (but they weren't getting anything anyway as Huang wasn't going to offer anything) but the Club is then in Portsmouth style turmoil while it is sorted.

If wise heads prevail, the owners will need to be paid off in some way.
We would expect Huang to engage with us if he is serious about respecting the history of this Club and its supporters and we have already taken steps in a number of areas about the developments of the last few days.

by **Reg** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:19 pm

bavlondon wrote:"This one is not only a stadium but also a stadium and hotel, five star, and shopping centre."

Anyone who thinks the Walton Breck Road and Scottie Road area of Liverpool needs a 5 star hotel is clearly in cuckoo land.

Strike him off the list Broughton, I smell another 50 million stadium plan.....

by **Reg** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:21 pm

Thanks Cigs, SOS are on the ball.

by **tubby** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:23 pm

REVEALED: Kenny Huang tells Liverpool his backers are C.I.C, worth £330bn; no proof of funds yet

By Nick Harris

4 August 2010

Kenny Huang, the Chinese businessman linked with a takeover bid for Liverpool in recent days, has told the club’s hierarchy that he has the financial backing of the China Investment Corporation, China’s largest sovereign wealth fund with assets of $332bn, sportingintelligence has learned.

If this backing is proven to be true, it would be truly sensational, representing the wealthiest potential owner not just in the history of English football but in global sport.

But neither Huang nor any of his rival bidders have yet provided any proof of funding. Huang has not yet provided any firm evidence his backers are C.I.C.

In what is being described as a “hugely fluid” situation, Liverpool’s board is considering “five or six” proposals for the club. The situation is moving towards “put up or shut up”. No substantive developments are expected this week although the C.I.C claim will become global news in the next 24 hours.

C.I.C’s involvement if confirmed – and questions to its offices in China today by sportingintelligence remain unanswered – would be truly sensational. On the flip side, for that very reason, everyone at Liverpool is remaining cautious until proof arrives.

Sources in China remain highly skeptical. Our story on today’s earlier developments, including more details on Huang’s background and business interests,

can be found here.

------

Maybe im just being blinded by the money here but if CIC are involved that's a good thing right?

by **Fauxy** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:25 pm

bavlondon wrote:REVEALED: Kenny Huang tells Liverpool his backers are C.I.C, worth £330bn; no proof of funds yet

By Nick Harris

4 August 2010

Kenny Huang, the Chinese businessman linked with a takeover bid for Liverpool in recent days, has told the club’s hierarchy that he has the financial backing of the China Investment Corporation, China’s largest sovereign wealth fund with assets of $332bn, sportingintelligence has learned.

If this backing is proven to be true, it would be truly sensational, representing the wealthiest potential owner not just in the history of English football but in global sport.

But neither Huang nor any of his rival bidders have yet provided any proof of funding. Huang has not yet provided any firm evidence his backers are C.I.C.

In what is being described as a “hugely fluid” situation, Liverpool’s board is considering “five or six” proposals for the club. The situation is moving towards “put up or shut up”. No substantive developments are expected this week although the C.I.C claim will become global news in the next 24 hours.

C.I.C’s involvement if confirmed – and questions to its offices in China today by sportingintelligence remain unanswered – would be truly sensational. On the flip side, for that very reason, everyone at Liverpool is remaining cautious until proof arrives.

Sources in China remain highly skeptical. Our story on today’s earlier developments, including more details on Huang’s background and business interests,

can be found here.

------

Maybe im just being blinded by the money here but if CIC are involved that's a good thing right?

Please buy us Mr Huang

by **fergieisawhiskeynosedtw@t** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:29 pm

Number 9 wrote:
bavlondon wrote:
devaney wrote:Lakes - apologies mate - I missed the bit about your Nan - please accept both my sincere condolences and grovelling apology - I was only having a bit of fun and I would hate to think that you ever take me too seriously.

Ciggy - thank you for pointing out my somewhat crass mistake.

So just because his nan is ill you say sorry? What about the rest of the time you are acting like a childish ?

The same goes for anyone here, boodiddy I don't give a what your name is. If you have a problem with someone either PM them or keep yer gobs shut.

Exactly Bav what a fuc'king tool....yeah its sad about Lakes Nan and we all Im sure pass on our condolences!

BUT what sort of people is this board letting on when they say things like.."I was only having a bit of fun and I would hate to think that you ever take me too seriously"....Well hold on a second we are talking about the long term future of LFC,its a serious issue!

tw@ts like that roll about the forum and nothing is said...the lad is a fuc'king idiot...probably going through puberty too!

mods I have just had a warning for bad language.

suggest you send one his way too or is he in the click?

all I have done is stick up for our Manager when someone keeps having cheap shots at every opportunity, unbelieveable

:no

by **bigmick** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:30 pm

332 billion sounds like a fair bit, feck me. The trouble with all these bidders is you never really know until about six months after you've signed on the dotted line whether you've got the right one or not. The difficulty for me is, I'm not sure if I'd actually be that happy if we got someone rich enough to do a Man City. That for me is a fecking ridiculous carry on, and even if we did win the title under those circumstances I'd be happy but no ecstatic.

My ideal would be someone who'd redevelop the original Anfield site (I know it's probably a non-starter but I think it would be a tragedy to tear it down,) and build it up to around a 60,000 capacity but keep the atmos'. Then, I'd like him or them to give the manager 30 million quid each summer and say off you go (plus of course any money from player sales). If we won the league under those circumstances, then I'd be ecstatic.

If the owner or owners is able to do that and make himself a few quid out of gaming rights on playstation, or on handtowel sales in Shanghai, I couldn't really care less to be honest. That's my ideal owner anyway, although I know it's probably cloud cuckoo land.

by **LFC2007** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:31 pm

bavlondon wrote:By Nick Harris

4 August 2010

This bell was telling us the other day that Huang hadn't the backing to takeover. Credible, I think not.

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