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Liverpool nearing Dubai takeover | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
Dubai International Capital (DIC) has confirmed it is in exclusive talks about a takeover of Liverpool FC. | |
DIC, the investment arm of Dubai's government, is thought to be nearing a buy-out of the club worth £450m. | |
"Liverpool's investment requirements are well publicised," said DIC chief executive Sameer al-Ansari, whose firm has begun to examine the club accounts. | |
"We hope we can agree a deal that will provide us with the opportunity to fund its needs both on and off the pitch." | |
The proposed deal is expected to include £200m to build a new 60,000-capacity stadium. | |
The due diligence process has begun, giving DIC exclusive rights to study the accounts of Liverpool with a view to finalising a deal. | |
606 DEBATE: Your views on Liverpool's future | 606 DEBATE: Your views on Liverpool's future |
Liverpool chairman David Moores and chief executive Rick Parry stayed behind in Liverpool while the team flew to Istanbul for Tuesday's Champions League match against Galatasaray. | |
However, the deal is not expected to be concluded until the new year. | |
DIC owns the Madame Tussauds Group and the Travelodge hotel chain as well as one third of the London Eye. | |
The company is an investment arm of Dubai Holding, which is owned by Dubai Crown Prince and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. | |
Sheikh Mohammed, whose family is internationally renowned for its running of the Godolphin horse racing stables, is the world's fifth richest man. | |
Liverpool have been linked with other takeover bids in recent years. | Liverpool have been linked with other takeover bids in recent years. |
In 2005, American billionaire Robert Kraft - owner of the New England Patriots NFL team - was linked with a bid for the club. | In 2005, American billionaire Robert Kraft - owner of the New England Patriots NFL team - was linked with a bid for the club. |
And in 2004 Thaksin Shinawatra, then Prime Minister of Thailand, made a high-profile bid to take control of the club. | And in 2004 Thaksin Shinawatra, then Prime Minister of Thailand, made a high-profile bid to take control of the club. |
The takeover news will concern those worried about the number of Premiership clubs currently in the hands of foreign owners. | |
Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Aston Villa have all gone through high-profile takeovers by foreign owners in recent years. |