Investor deal struck for LFC?

[kinboshi]

Dubai will buy Reds
Dec 4 2006
Exclusive By Chris Bascombe
Liverpool FC Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL Football Club is set to be taken over by the investment arm of the Dubai government, the ECHO can confirm.

Control will transfer into the hands of the world's fifth-richest man, whose personal fortune dwarfs that of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. biggrin.gif

Barring a last minute hitch the stunning deal worth around £400m will go ahead in the next few weeks, taking Britain's most successful football club into a hugely exciting new era.

The takeover, which should ultimately delight supporters, represents a remarkable coup for the club and for Chairman David Moores and Chief Executive Rick Parry.

Both have worked tirelessly to ensure the Reds receive the huge injection of cash they need, from the right partner who understands Anfield's history and traditions.

The deal will fund the building of the Reds' new 60,000 seater, £200m stadium in Stanley Park, clear the club's £80m debt and bring significant funds to develop Liverpool on and off the pitch, enabling them to continue to compete for the world's top stars.

Dubai International Capital is today embarking on a process of due diligence at Anfield examining details of the club's financial affairs before they sign the ag reement.

Provided that proceeds without a problem, the takeover could be concluded either at the end of this month or in the New Year.

The club is unlikely to make any statement until it feels the time is right.

However, the Reds' battle for investment is now all but over following talks with DIC - a company which owns Tussauds and the London eye and which is linked to Dubai's ruling Maktoum family.

The Maktoums are one of the world's richest, owning the Godolphin Racing stables as well as governing one of the most rapidly developing, oil-rich countries in the modern world.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum is Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the Ruler of Dubai.

Sorely needed investment for the club.  Looks like the right sort of investment as well, people who will want to see the club succeed.

Thoughts..?

[boldie]

I am quite familiar with the Maktoums..and can only congratulate liverpool supporters on the deal. they run a very profesional operation in just about every business they own (looks at their horse racing interest and they way dubai is being run) They are also not shy about spending a few bob to get the best.

Congratulations on what will be very exciting for Liverpool and I'm sure will mean Liverpool are proper title contenders again each year.

[Colchester Kev]

Dubai will buy Reds


Thoughts..?

I hope he looks after Liverpool better than he looks after his chips in a poker tournament 

[kinboshi]

I am quite familiar with the Maktoums..and can only congratulate liverpool supporters on the deal. they run a very profesional operation in just about every business they own (looks at their horse racing interest and they way dubai is being run) They are also not shy about spending a few bob to get the best.

Congratulations on what will be very exciting for Liverpool and I'm sure will mean Liverpool are proper title contenders again each year.

They were my thoughts (although I'm not familiar with the family - I mix in different circles obviously!).

Hopefully the deal will go through, and we can get back on terms with chavski and man u in the league.  Also means the new stadium will definitely go ahead.  Wonder if they'll look to make it 'bigger' than originally planned?  60,000 isn't that big at all.  Like you say, they like to spend a few bob to get the best.

[Tonji]

The Maktoum family fortune makes Roman Abramovich seem a pauper.

[The Baron]

Great news if it happens.

I'd have been happy with a smaller investor - this is really top news if it really happens.

[The Baron]

From Sky Sports:

The Merseyside club have long been the subject of speculation with regard to what Parry describes as a much-needed injection of funds.

"This is the latest step on the road of finding the long-term investment that the club needs," said Parry.

"DIC is a potential investor with the resources and philosophy that we believe could make them an ideal partner.

"Already they have demonstrated a full understanding of, and respect for, the club's heritage and values.

"We also believe they share our passion for success. In particular, DIC believes in investing in the businesses it acquires. This is very important in terms of the proposed new stadium, which is key to plans for the regeneration of the local community.

"On the pitch, Liverpool remains focused on winning and, here again, this is all about doing a deal that gives us the long-term resources to do that."

[The Baron]

Seems to be a lot more about it today. I'm still gonna be the pessimist until it actually happens.

[kinboshi]

Seems to be a lot more about it today. I'm still gonna be the pessimist until it actually happens.

It is going to happen.