http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/news/article2491794.ece
English football is becoming accustomed to foreign businessmen buying its biggest clubs but arguably the most astonishing deal of them all was mooted yesterday as it emerged that the billionaire Microsoft tycoon Paul Allen is working on a £50m takeover bid for Southampton. The club currently play in the second-tier Championship.
Allen, an American, has had no previous involvement in football, although he does own a US NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks, and a basketball franchise, the Portland Trail Blazers. He is, however, incredibly rich.
Estimates of Mr Allen's fortune vary between £10bn and £20bn, depending on whether all his assets or just his cash are taken into account. Whichever method is used, he is wealthier than the Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich, who owns Chelsea (and struggles by on £9bn). Mr Allen stands at No 6 on the Forbes list of private billionaires. Abramovich is at No 11.
There has been no official confirmation about a bid yet from Mr Allen himself, but Southampton's board issued a statement to the Stock Exchange yesterday that said "we have received and are considering a preliminary approach". A well-placed source toldThe Independent last night that Mr Allen is putting together an offer that is "absolutely serious and should materialise sooner rather than later".
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"The board notes the recent rise in the Company's share price and confirms that it has received and is considering a preliminary approach which may or may not lead to an offer being made for the Company.
The board's consideration is at an early stage and there is no guarantee that any offer will be forthcoming.
Further announcements will be made in due course." Southampton FC club statement.
To be honest I really do not know what to think of this, it definately gives us saints fans some extra excitement other than the play-off push.
But as a lifelong Southampton fan I will know not toget my hopes up...
English football is becoming accustomed to foreign businessmen buying its biggest clubs but arguably the most astonishing deal of them all was mooted yesterday as it emerged that the billionaire Microsoft tycoon Paul Allen is working on a £50m takeover bid for Southampton. The club currently play in the second-tier Championship.
Allen, an American, has had no previous involvement in football, although he does own a US NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks, and a basketball franchise, the Portland Trail Blazers. He is, however, incredibly rich.
Estimates of Mr Allen's fortune vary between £10bn and £20bn, depending on whether all his assets or just his cash are taken into account. Whichever method is used, he is wealthier than the Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich, who owns Chelsea (and struggles by on £9bn). Mr Allen stands at No 6 on the Forbes list of private billionaires. Abramovich is at No 11.
There has been no official confirmation about a bid yet from Mr Allen himself, but Southampton's board issued a statement to the Stock Exchange yesterday that said "we have received and are considering a preliminary approach". A well-placed source toldThe Independent last night that Mr Allen is putting together an offer that is "absolutely serious and should materialise sooner rather than later".
-
"The board notes the recent rise in the Company's share price and confirms that it has received and is considering a preliminary approach which may or may not lead to an offer being made for the Company.
The board's consideration is at an early stage and there is no guarantee that any offer will be forthcoming.
Further announcements will be made in due course." Southampton FC club statement.
To be honest I really do not know what to think of this, it definately gives us saints fans some extra excitement other than the play-off push.
But as a lifelong Southampton fan I will know not toget my hopes up...
