Dubai International to make bid for Liverpool FC

[tomasjj]

Due Dilligence having being undertaken would mean an offer has been made,no? that would mean it should be on the takeover panel's disclosure table and it ain't.If won't hold my breath on this one just yet but I'm hoping the two ****ers piss off.

someone said we are now a private company, so no takeover panel watching anymore

[G]

someone said we are now a private company, so no takeover panel watching anymore

I see.We'll have to wait and see so,Bit of the luck the lying ****ers are off

[reddragon]

I dont think anything is gonna be sorted out soon. weeks, months....****ing stupid cunting american *******bitch ****wits.

whilst i agree with the sweary bit, i think this is coming to a head fairly soon - one way or another

[Red Chilli]

I dont think anything is gonna be sorted out soon. weeks, months....****ing stupid cunting american *******bitch ****wits.

whilst i agree with the sweary bit, i think this is coming to a head fairly soon - one way or another

yeah I agree, it's odd that I found out this info earlier in the week, that suggests to me it's fairly advanced.

[kurtangle01]

yeah I agree, it's odd that I found out this info earlier in the week, that suggests to me it's fairly advanced.

This isn't a dig, Chilli, it's just a question. I'm not doubting you have the info but how reliable is your source? Have you had info from the person in the past that's turned out to be right?

[kurtangle01]

It is a dig, stop lying.

Seriously, it isn't!

[Red Chilli]

Source is the partner of a former player who I work with. She's never told me any insider info, she doesn't even like football, she's into golf.
Anyway, we were chatting on a night shift and she asked why I was "fed up" so I told her I was pre-occupied with LFC's plight, we got talking and she told me.
I've had loads of free tickets to matches including the CC final against the Chavs which she dishes out amongst several LFC fans at work.
I've had loads of merchendise too which has been raffled or auctioned for charidy.
I've also met the player in question at nights out and on the golf course.
So, I have no doubt about the source's validity.I don't know where he got this info from, like I say, it hasn't happened before.

[AFII]

Source is the partner of a former player who I work with. She's never told me any insider info, she doesn't even like football, she's into golf.
Anyway, we were chatting on a night shift and she asked why I was "fed up" so I told her I was pre-occupied with LFC's plight, we got talking and she told me.
I've had loads of free tickets to matches including the CC final against the Chavs which she dishes out amongst several LFC fans at work.
I've had loads of merchendise too which has been raffled or auctioned for charidy.
I've also met the player in question at nights out and on the golf course.
So, I have no doubt about the source's validity.I don't know where he got this info from, like I say, it hasn't happened before.

[kurtangle01]

Source is the partner of a former player who I work with. She's never told me any insider info, she doesn't even like football, she's into golf.
Anyway, we were chatting on a night shift and she asked why I was "fed up" so I told her I was pre-occupied with LFC's plight, we got talking and she told me.
I've had loads of free tickets to matches including the CC final against the Chavs which she dishes out amongst several LFC fans at work.
I've had loads of merchendise too which has been raffled or auctioned for charidy.
I've also met the player in question at nights out and on the golf course.
So, I have no doubt about the source's validity.I don't know where he got this info from, like I say, it hasn't happened before.

Thanks, mate.

[redblood]

The Dubai group were not best pleased when they were 'stabbed in the back' by Rick Parry back in December 2006.

During December 2006, D.I.C thought they had secured Liverpool, but due to 'mystery' leaks coming out from the Dubai Group, documents were gifted to Rick Parry, that he in turn gave to George Gillett. That enabled Gillett to form his speedy relationship with Tom Hicks.

Once they knew what D.I.C's final offer would be & when it was to be submitted, all they had to do was wait for D.I.C to make that final offer - then make there move.

I know from taking with my source that Tom Hicks is seen as the mover & shaker out of the pair.

George Gillett is a known - but if Tom Hicks is *issed - everyone knows quickly.

As I said before, there has been a power struggle going on at Anfield - kinda like a triangle - Gillett & Hicks - Hicks & Benitez.

Things at the moment are strained, but at a stalemate.

But taking all the unrest out of the equation, it is known that the American pair are facing serious difficulty in re-financing there original loan.

Liverpool FC was paid for exclusively by The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Hicks & Gillett have not put 1 cent of there own money into the "Liverpool Project'.

Credit crunch - my *rse.

If they are businessmen worth there salts - they will have known problems were on the horizon.

The problem for the pair is they borrowed 220 million originally & in the following months that debt climbed to over 350 million.

Wigs within Anfield are aware, as it has been made known to certain individuals within the club -

D.I.C are ready to make a 500+ million pound hostile take over.

D.I.C are not in an every day scenario now - they know that money is a big problem for the Americans & they will do exactly to the Americans as they did to D.I.C.

They know they only have to bide there time - which is soon to be here.

The Royal Bank of Scotland have told Hicks & Gillett - in order to get there loan re-financed, they have to put up a minimum of 20 million each, from there own personal fortunes.

Gillett is prepared as it seems he does have a love for the club (well more than just money) but Hicks is not willing to play ball.

Even if he does agree, Hicks is too shrewd not to know that this 'Project' is going to make massive inroads in to his own personal fortune - which he is not prepared to do.

Opinions shared within Liverpool, are that Hicks will agree to the re-financing terms, but if as expected D.I.C come in with a bid that see Hicks make a profit - however small - he will say thank you, then cut & run.

Gillett will be forced to take the same route if Hicks withdraws.

D.I.C are said to be offering the pair 50+ million each profit.

D.I.C have made it known to Hicks & Gillett, they are prepared to discuss takeover talks & the amounts involved & it's just a matter of time before they take place.

The majority of the money men in the city share the opinion that Hicks & Gillett won't even make the revised deal that's on offer from The Royal Bank of Scotland & again D.I.C would jump in.

D.I.C have already held talks with The Royal Bank of Scotland & are understood to have come to an agreement on how the deal with the bank would go through, if the Americans fail to re-negotiate the current deal.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has agreed that Sameer Al Ansari, a self confessed Liverpool fan can move when he feels the time is right.

The moves are ready to be played out & it looks very much like Liverpool FC is going to be owned by two owners within a very short space of time.

Ansari has made it clear D.I.C will invest massively in Liverpool, with the new stadium & new players being top priority.

These men are obscenely rich & have equally wealthy backers in all four corners of there world.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, whilst also being the ruler of Dubai & he along with his friends want to put Liverpool at the top of world football.

I know most Chairmen say the same thing when they arrive, but these guys are different.

Is it purely for footballing reasons?

Or is it maybe to do with things that go a lot deeper than football - like politics.

Who knows - but they are serious & will not stop until they get what they want this time.

One thing is for sure - Rick Parry will be a distant memory by the time D.I.C bring over there people to watch the first game as owners of Liverpool football club.

More on this to follow - be sure of that.

**UPDATE**

Well word is things are moving fast within Liverpool.

I have been up in Liverpool today & got back just a little while ago.

Speaking to my friend who I met with for over 2 hours, he says that Hicks & Gilletts plans have been thrown in to chaos due to the Liverpool board.

The board object to plans the Americans have regarding the re-financing of the loan they took out to purchase Liverpool.

Hicks & Gillett want to put the loan - 100% against the clubs assets - which the board are saying cannot happen & WILL NOT happen.

Honorary Life Vice Presidents at the club, along with Mr Moores have demanded the pair keep to the promise both made when they arrived at Liverpool.

Im told legal advice has already been taken - incase events force the board to act.

However, it is said the bank will not agree to the terms Tom Hicks proposed regarding the refinancing of the debt & a large part of that decision is due to certain Liverpool people making strenuous objections to the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Bank, want to pair to inject millions from there personal wealth - something that Tom Hicks will not let happen.

Whats STUNNING to hear, is some on the Liverpool board have been informed that moves are already 'well underway regarding the SALE OF Liverpool to Dubai International Capital.

He said that news suggesting the American pair appear to have decided to sell up is rife within Anfield.

The Dubai International Capital group are determinded to get Liverpool & my friend says its 'old news' that D.I.C have already started the process of due diligence.

He said, things have been underway for sometime.

He said things got serious after Hicks & Gillett met with D.I.C wigs last November.

As I said before they tried to sell 15% of Liverpool to the D.I.C group for £150 million.

It was flatly turned down - but D.I.C are said to have told the American pair during those talks that they would be returning in the New Year to 'Complete the takeover'.

D.I.C have confirmed they remain interested in acquiring Liverpool, but on the news coming out from Anfield tonight that Hicks & Gillett have already agreed the sale to Dubai International Capital a Spokesperson said:

"Im sorry, but we can only say 'No Comment' at this stage"

This is a story that is going to run & run, so there will be more on this to follow in the coming days, that is for sure.

Not wanting to be a kill joy as I want rid of the Yanks as much as the next fella but I truly worry about DIC buying us I don't like that I've heard they want Mourinho(don't know how true).
I have no problem with us being run as a business but I do feel that after their plans were revealed last year of their 7 year plan I am very worried for our club.
Fair enough Samir head d' ball is a Liverpool fan but I find it hard to be to excited about any of this as we will never be the same club again.

[Iceman]

Can anyone explain why the debt has to be re-financed - can they not just transfer the debt from RBS and to the American bank on whatever terms the American bank wants to take it on. Taking the debt out of the control of RBS. Assuming that the GG&TH agree to the terms set out. I don't get why GG and TH have to personally ensure that some of their personal wealth has to guarantee a new loan with the RBS. This is confusing.

I am no financial genuis but this is what I have come to understand is the case

G & H took out a short term loan to cover buying the club, thinking that they could easily renew the loan when needed, since then however there has been what is known as the global credit crunch, which means banks are less inclined to take risks

There has also been the collapse of a thing called the American sub prime market (whatever that may be ?) and all the banks are expecting to make substansial losses over it making them even more reluctant to lend money.

So far from being able to renew the loan G & H are finding the banks want a higher rate of interest to renew the initial loan, they also need to top up the loan to start work on the stadium

because of the global financial uncertainty the banks also want G & H to secure the loan on against their personal assets............ something they seem reluctant to do

they would prefer to use us (LFC) as the collateral thus burdening us with a massive ongoing burden of debt (Glazer style) this is completely against what they promised last year

hope that helps

[Vermilion]

Just read the Denial put out by Hick's on the Telegraph site, The statement was made by a Roy Winnick, Hick's man by all account's, But significantly it's not Parry he's getting to do it, it only takes a call, After all the statement is directly linked to LFC. Oh it's just a thought, i'm trying to convince myself now.

[reddragon]

Just read the Denial put out by Hick's on the Telegraph site, The statement was made by a Roy Winnick, Hick's man by all account's, But significantly it's not Parry he's getting to do it, it only takes a call, After all the statement is directly linked to LFC. Oh it's just a thought, i'm trying to convince myself now.

certainly worth adding to the mounting evidence of who the **** knows whats going on

[ForeverRed]

Just read the Denial put out by Hick's on the Telegraph site, The statement was made by a Roy Winnick, Hick's man by all account's, But significantly it's not Parry he's getting to do it, it only takes a call, After all the statement is directly linked to LFC. Oh it's just a thought, i'm trying to convince myself now.

SINCE WHEN DID THE YANKS START USING A SPOKESMAN? I THOUGHT BIG GOB WOULD HAVE BEEN STRAIGHT OUT WITH IT HIMSELF!

Something doesn't add up

[Shaggy]

From The Times
January 18, 2008
Americans dismiss Anfield rift
James Ducker

George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks, the co-chairmen at Anfield, moved to reassure supporters last night that Liverpool would not be sold for the second time in less than a year.

However, serious questions remain over the future ownership of English football’s most successful club. Although the Americans are said to remain “fully committed” to Liverpool, it appears that Dubai International Capital (DIC) is prepared to back Gillett as he weighs up whether to make an offer to buy out the 50 per cent shareholding of his compatriot in the latest twist to the power struggle at Anfield.

If Gillett is bold enough to present such an offer to his partner — and there remain serious doubts that he will — the success of the move, unthinkable when they bought the club in February last year, would be dependent on Hicks agreeing to sell, although such a scenario was given short shrift last night.

A spokesman for the Americans said: “Any suggestion that Messrs Hicks and Gillett are contemplating a sale of the club or any portion thereof to DIC or anyone else is categorically untrue.”

Despite their desire to show a united front, the relationship between the pair is becoming increasingly strained and could be pushed to breaking point if Gillett, who alone does not have the funds to acquire Hicks’s stake, pursues the opening afforded by DIC, the private-equity arm of the Arab state, which nearly bought the club last year.

Sources have indicated that there is only a slim chance of Gillett putting the offer to Hicks and that he may instead approve a controversial £350 million refinancing plan for a new stadium that is expected to be ratified early next week. But even then, it is hard to see how they can carry on working together beyond the short to medium term.

Gillett was furious with Hicks for admitting this week that Jürgen Klinsmann had been offered the chance to succeed Rafael Benítez as manager and, by showing a willingness to speak to DIC, he has hardly shown much confidence in his partner.

With the refinancing deal close to being agreed — Hicks wants to replace the £270 million Royal Bank of Scotland loan that they used to buy the club with a £350 million advance that will allow Liverpool to proceed with the construction of a 70,000- capacity stadium in Stanley Park — the window of opportunity for Gillett to manoeuvre is small. However, DIC, which was established in 2004 effectively as an investment vehicle for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the world’s fifth-richest man, is unlikely to be permanently dissuaded in its attempts to buy into Liverpool in the event that a deal cannot be struck.

DIC tried unsuccessfully to buy a portion of new shares in the club in November and has the backing of the majority of Liverpool supporters, who, upset about the Americans’ treatment of Benítez, made their feelings known during the 5-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Luton Town on Tuesday. A recent poll showed that 83 per cent of fans were in favour of DIC buying the club.

A change of ownership would not necessarily play into Benítez’s hands, however, as it has been mooted that DIC would favour appointing its own man. Similarly, Rick Parry, the chief executive, may also find himself between a rock and a hard place.

Like Gillett, Parry is uncomfortable with the refinancing package being proposed, but having given his backing to the Americans over DIC last year, he may find he has little support from the consortium, which had previously stated a desire to appoint its own chief executive.