Liverpool takeover (Chinese)

Liverpool takeover: State-backed Chinese group want to buy club from Fenway for £700m

An investment group supported by the Chinese state government is attempting to purchase Liverpool for £700million, The Independent can reveal.

It has emerged that Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have been aware of the proposal from SinoFortone since March.

SinoFortone, who are fronted by managing director Peter Zhang, has committed £5.2billion towards new projects in the UK over the last 12 months.

They have already explored the potential of building a new stadium in the dockland area of Liverpool, appreciating that Anfield’s new main stand will be completed in September.

Their plans also involve the redevelopment of the club’s training ground at Melwood and the installation of a series of football academies across China.

It is believed that Fenway, who are led by John W. Henry, are reluctant to sell Liverpool at this moment and have been unreceptive to the approach.

While the Premier League’s new television rights deal potentially increases the value of all English top flight clubs to unprecedented levels, there is a confidence within FSG that Jürgen Klopp will lead Liverpool into a new era of sporting prosperity, an era, indeed, the current owners would like to be around for.

SinoFortone are also thought to be open to the idea of part-investment in Liverpool, offering FSG a medium to long-term exit strategy. This might appeal more to key yet ageing figureheads like Henry and chairman Tom Werner, who will both turn 67 at their next birthdays.

The bidder specialises in large-scale infrastructure projects, building roads, railways, airports, seaports and power stations across China and the Middle East.

In March SinoFortone agreed a green energy and affordable housing scheme investment with the Scottish government. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon signed off the contract, which might eventually be worth £10bn. She was later accused by opposition parties of misleading Scots over the secrecy around the agreement, which also involved the China Railway Group.

Last year, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Britain, SinoFortone committed £2bn towards two eco-parks in north and south west Wales, which will see two biomass power stations built in Anglesey and Port Talbot.

SinoFortone has earmarked a substantial sum towards the London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which is due to open in Dartford, Kent, in 2021. It is also involved in the proposed Crossrail 2 rail line running through London into Hertfordshire as well as the building of new metro systems in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.

Liverpool is thought to be an attractive proposition to SinoFortone, not least because of the club’s history and reasonable current standing, but also because the city is home to Europe’s oldest Chinese community.

In April, work on the £200m New Chinatown project began less than a mile away from Liverpool’s city centre. The development will include 850 new houses, 150,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, and a new hotel.

Though SinoFortone are not behind this project, its plans were presented to President Xi’s delegation during his visit to Manchester last October.

Sorry if this is known news, haven't been paying a great deal of attention to the forum the last week. Anyway, would love FSG to pack up and bog off and have an owner capable of funding us back to the top. But that's just me.


http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-takeover-state-backed-chinese-group-want-to-buy-club-from-fenway-for-700m-a7083836.html

Liverpool takeover: State-backed Chinese group want to buy club from Fenway for £700m

An investment group supported by the Chinese state government is attempting to purchase Liverpool for £700million, The Independent can reveal.

It has emerged that Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have been aware of the proposal from SinoFortone since March.

SinoFortone, who are fronted by managing director Peter Zhang, has committed £5.2billion towards new projects in the UK over the last 12 months.

They have already explored the potential of building a new stadium in the dockland area of Liverpool, appreciating that Anfield’s new main stand will be completed in September.

Their plans also involve the redevelopment of the club’s training ground at Melwood and the installation of a series of football academies across China.

It is believed that Fenway, who are led by John W. Henry, are reluctant to sell Liverpool at this moment and have been unreceptive to the approach.

While the Premier League’s new television rights deal potentially increases the value of all English top flight clubs to unprecedented levels, there is a confidence within FSG that Jürgen Klopp will lead Liverpool into a new era of sporting prosperity, an era, indeed, the current owners would like to be around for.

SinoFortone are also thought to be open to the idea of part-investment in Liverpool, offering FSG a medium to long-term exit strategy. This might appeal more to key yet ageing figureheads like Henry and chairman Tom Werner, who will both turn 67 at their next birthdays.

The bidder specialises in large-scale infrastructure projects, building roads, railways, airports, seaports and power stations across China and the Middle East.

In March SinoFortone agreed a green energy and affordable housing scheme investment with the Scottish government. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon signed off the contract, which might eventually be worth £10bn. She was later accused by opposition parties of misleading Scots over the secrecy around the agreement, which also involved the China Railway Group.

Last year, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Britain, SinoFortone committed £2bn towards two eco-parks in north and south west Wales, which will see two biomass power stations built in Anglesey and Port Talbot.

SinoFortone has earmarked a substantial sum towards the London Paramount Entertainment Resort, which is due to open in Dartford, Kent, in 2021. It is also involved in the proposed Crossrail 2 rail line running through London into Hertfordshire as well as the building of new metro systems in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.

Liverpool is thought to be an attractive proposition to SinoFortone, not least because of the club’s history and reasonable current standing, but also because the city is home to Europe’s oldest Chinese community.

In April, work on the £200m New Chinatown project began less than a mile away from Liverpool’s city centre. The development will include 850 new houses, 150,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, and a new hotel.

Though SinoFortone are not behind this project, its plans were presented to President Xi’s delegation during his visit to Manchester last October.

Sorry if this is known news, haven't been paying a great deal of attention to the forum the last week. Anyway, would love FSG to pack up and bog off and have an owner capable of funding us back to the top. But that's just me.

You forgot to include a source mate.

Given the topic I think it's important to know that.

Weren't we linked with this take over before a few years back? Taking this with a pinch of salt, I'd need to hear more about their plans, but it could be a good thing if it were true.

You forgot to include a source mate.

Given the topic I think it's important to know that.

Saw on Facebook that it's from the Indepedent. Sure it will be in other sources too if it's for real.

Just posted about this is in the FSG thread. I'm mixed, I know we've not exactly made huge improvements under FSG with their restrictive transfer policy but I've yet to see a European club have success under a Chinese owner.

Saw on Facebook that it's from the Indepedent. Sure it will be in other sources too if it's for real.

Ah okay, thanks.

IT'S NOT HAPPENING

How many of these threads do we need? There is 0% this happens.

You forgot to include a source mate.

Given the topic I think it's important to know that.

Source is Simon Hughes  of the Independent. Link included in thread now.

Zzzzzzzzzzz

IT'S NOT HAPPENING

How many of these threads do we need? There is 0% this happens.

No way will FSG sell at this point, but a part investment from China is much more believable.

No way will FSG sell at this point, but a part investment from China is much more believable.

Whether the do or not it's still news worthy. From what I hear this isn't just some paper talk, this is a firm offer with a clear exit strategy for FSG over the medium to long term. I have nothing against FSG per se, I simply do not believe they are financially capable, or willing, to propel us back to the big time in a league that more than most is reliant upon large investment.

No way will FSG sell at this point, but a part investment from China is much more believable.

Maybe they'll buy LeBron out!

No way is this happening.

IT'S NOT HAPPENING

Why not?

Don't think FSG will sell. They would make money if sell for 700 mil now but they will make more in the long run if they keep Liverpool.
-------------------------------
https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldWrap/status/743148651002929152

Why not?

1. Long term manager in place. Someone they've always wanted.

2. Long term investment strategy for players.

3. Just forked out over £100m for the upgrade of Anfield.

4. TV deal.

Whatever they sell for now, they'd get multiple times more in a decade. Not a lazy amount, but potentially £1bn+.

There is absolutely zero chance.

Don't think FSG will sell. They would make money if sell for 700 mil now but they will make more in the long run if they keep Liverpool.

https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldWrap/status/743148651002929152

Wtf is this nonsense? Invest in a new stadium? Rebuild Anfield and Melwood? This is a fake right?

Wtf is this nonsense? Invest in a new stadium? Rebuild Anfield and Melwood? This is a fake right?

Certainly a fake, prank I think.

I wouldn't go so far as zero chance, an opening offer (if it even exists) of £770m could easily be upped to £1bn.

That's a tidy profit to rid yourself of 'those scousers'.

Won't happen.  These guys didn't get rich selling appreciating assets too early.  1bn is nothing. Offer them 3bn and their pants might get tight.

Wtf is this nonsense? Invest in a new stadium? Rebuild Anfield and Melwood? This is a fake right?

Why are you barging around the thread shouting at people?

Why are you barging around the thread shouting at people?

I wouldn't go so far as zero chance, an opening offer (if it even exists) of £770m could easily be upped to £1bn.

That's a tidy profit to rid yourself of 'those scousers'.

Tidy profit? That's nothing. Why would they sell for roughly 100% ROI when they could get 400%+ in just a couple years?

Regarding the letter, Simon Hughes who has broken the story has spoken to The Anfield Wrap in the last hour or so (they've put a pod out of it behind the paywall) so I suspect the letter may have come from him. Seems that there is legit and serious interest - how serious we don't know.

Here is the letter in nice big easy to read size.

Now I'm now expert but this looks like a piss take.

Sent early this year and going on about a new build the Docks area, that's the Blue sh*te FFS.

Look at the signature, lovely penmanship.

ZHANG or ZHENG?

If you look here, at then end of the PDF, is the real signature  http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0049/00498660.pdf

What is it? 1st April?

They have apparently managed to get to a negotiation stage with FSG - further than anybody else has. As stated, FSG in no rush to sell for the time being.

Getting that from Simon Hughes on TAW podcast.

Just for the record, I'll accept £1bn right now.

You'd be a fool.

The only reason to do so is if FSG have liquidity issues and they do not.

Rumours knocking about on Twitter now that they've made it known to get themselves heard and out there and to apply pressure. Also, willing to match FSG asking price.

I'm just sharing things I'm reading so don't jump on me.

And ay, it's June. Anything goes.

Letter is a wind up.

Echo:

Liverpool owners deny reports of takeover approach from China

FSG remain fully committed to Reds - despite fresh talk of new investment

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group insist they have not received a takeover offer from a Chinese investment group.

Reports on Wednesday evening suggested that SinoFortone was attempting to buy the club from the Americans for around £700million.

A letter circulating on social media - dated February 10 2016 - claimed to be from SinoFortone’s London offices stating that they wanted to enter into discussions with Liverpool over potential investment.

It read: “We understand that this would be based around a valuation in the region of £700million; and that we are interested in funding the development of a new stadium in the docks area, and the redevelopment of both Anfield and Melwood, all in conjunction with Liverpool City Council; and the development of a series of football training academies across China.”

However, senior FSG officials say no such letter was received and are adamant that they haven’t had any discussions with SinoFortone about either part-investment or a potential takeover,

SinoFortone are yet to respond to the ECHO’s attempts to establish the authenticity of the letter. However, the website on the letter ‘ www.sinofortone.com ’ doesn’t exist and the letter says it’s from Dr Peter Zheng. The managing director of SinoFortone Group in the UK is Dr Peter Zhang.

The ECHO understands that FSG’s stance on their ownership of Liverpool remains unchanged. They have no intention of selling the club in the near future but have always been open to the idea of selling a minority share in Liverpool FC if the right offer was on the table.

With the upcoming increase of revenues from the new Main Stand , coupled with the new Premier League TV deal which is worth an eye-watering £8billion to top-flight clubs, Liverpool would certainly be valued at more than £700million.

SinoFortone announced plans last October to invest some £5.2billion in new projects in the UK. That includes £2bnillion in Orthios Eco Parks to develop waste power and food stations in Wales and it’s also investing in the development of an amusement park in Kent.

Quick to quash that. Simon Hughes been blagged here?

Funny.

I have just see the original letter, with out the blacked out names, and the last line reads:

We have authorised Tom Hicks and George Gillett to act for us in this matter.

Quick to quash that. Simon Hughes been blagged here?

Funny.

Ha, F**k imagine if he broke it based on a fake letter!!

Whatever they sell for now, they'd get multiple times more in a decade. Not a lazy amount, but potentially £1bn+.

Not so sure. The exponential rise in our UK tv deals will not go on forever.

This probably is near the optimal time to sell IMO.

Ha, f**k imagine if he broke it based on a fake letter!!

He's got a good name, though, Hughes. Surprised.

Not so sure. The exponential rise in our UK tv deals will not go on forever.

This probably is near the optimal time to sell IMO.

I doubt they'll sell now, but in a hypothetical year's time where we've finished mid-table again and it's clear Klopp isn't working out then they may decide they've taken us as far as they can and it might be a good time to sell whilst there's still a profit to be made. Who knows, I doubt it'll go anywhere yet but whether it goes away entirely and whether it's Chinese or otherwise that's interest, is anyone's guess.

Ahhh - silly season in full flow now it seems. Those journalists not at Euro 2016 trying to find something to do.

Website www.sinofortone.com does exist, but down due to traffic.

https://twitter.com/thisisanfield/status/743187780403142662

He's got a good name, though, Hughes. Surprised.

To be fair to him, story could be real. Letter could be fake. 

Apparently all FSG had to say in response was "卖给我们俱乐部" 

To be fair to him, story could be real. Letter could be fake. 

FSG have come out and said it's bull already mate.

Apparently all FSG had to say in response was "卖给我们俱乐部" 

 好的 

好的 

We're so cultured

To be fair to him, story could be real. Letter could be fake.

A letter was sent according to ESPN, but FSG gave them the cold shoulder. Whether it's that letter who knows.

http://www.espnfc.com/liverpool/story/2894315/liverpool-rejected-chinese-consortium-offer-in-february-sources

I don't understand why some seem to be so negative about this story. At the very least it shows there is still interest in us. It had seemed for all the world no one was remotely interested in Liverpool, which given our history was strange.

Here we go again. The last story of takeover over a couple months ago last for a couple days, wonder how long they will try and push this one for.

Tony Evans isn't behind this, is he?

2010:

Imagine getting some juicy investment. Would be lovely

Tony Evans isn't behind this, is he?

2010:

He is loving it like.

https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldWrap/status/743177247368970240

It is believed the Chinese consortium will bring in their own medical staff, Beef Curry and Fr(i)ed Rice.

wont happen.

we should only interested in billionaire owners #sugardaddies

This is not a take over, its a take away.................... ok, will get my coat 

It is believed the Chinese consortium will bring in their own medical staff, Beef Curry and Fr(i)ed Rice.

Yeah and there's no way we would buy Fu King No Wan anymore.

sounds a bit dodgy to me, Can't see FSG selling right now. First thing FSG should do is make sure any takeover is not funded by 'hedge funds' as Tom & Jerry did!!!!

Don't think FSG will sell. They would make money if sell for 700 mil now but they will make more in the long run if they keep Liverpool.
-------------------------------
https://twitter.com/TheAnfieldWrap/status/743148651002929152

Nice one John, I read it on TAW but couldn't insert a link if that's the right terminology, interesting tho to see what develops,
Either FSG up the anti and give Klopp adequate funding or succumb to the Chinese whispers and have te the most expensive Chinese takeaway in history with extra noodles, it could be argued we've been wonton this kind of deal for years

YNWA

Not so sure. The exponential rise in our UK tv deals will not go on forever.

This probably is near the optimal time to sell IMO.

me too this has to be the peak in the next couple of years.

they love money not football and not Liverpool if the cheque is big enough they would walk.

they love money not football and not Liverpool if the cheque is big enough they would walk.

We've known this from the start so it's hardly going to be a shock if they up and leave at the first sign of a big offer.

They love the Red Sox, not us.

Chinese ownership of Premier League Club?

World Domination beckons .

The Red Flag flies over all.


Lets do the deal .

Don't the Chinese love the colour red?

No, seriously.

Or is that Malaysia?

Don't the Chinese love the colour red?

No, seriously.

Or is that Malaysia?

and the number 7 and we all know who is our No7 legend

and the number 7 and we all know who is our No7 legend

Harry Kewell?

and the number 7 and we all know who is our No7 legend

8 is the lucky number Walt not 7, though 7 is quite popular in most casinos 

https://twitter.com/RadioCityTalk/status/743383729813454848

No mention of that letter

Props to Red Pup on that last night, though. Ripped it up, chewed it, swallowed it and then dumped it.

This story should of come out on the 1st of April.If it were true and we had a Chinese finance manager it could lead to all sorts of problems like Jürgen Klopp asking the finance manager for a No 6 to win the E.P.L.The finance manager says it is not a problem consider it done.Imagine Jurgens surprise when he is given a curried chicken and rice.

Don't the Chinese love the colour red?

No, seriously.

Or is that Malaysia?

The colour red is like killing a tiger for no reason and making tea out of it for the Chinese, everything is virility.
Their noodle dicks can't erect themselves unless it's with some colour &or animal magic. Same goes for the women.
I'm really fond of the Chinese btw because they own so much of America. Plus it's my favourite cuisine. I cook a lot of tiger dicks... no I cook a good Chinese feast.

The colour red is like killing a tiger for no reason and making tea out of it for the Chinese, everything is virility.
Their noodle dicks can't erect themselves unless it's with some colour &or animal magic. Same goes for the women.
I'm really fond of the Chinese btw because they own so much of America. Plus it's my favourite cuisine. I cook a lot of tiger dicks... no I cook a good Chinese feast.

Lmao, I'm a bit bored this morning, it still makes sense doesn't it?

Lmao, I'm a bit bored this morning, it still makes sense doesn't it?

I think I get the premise of it... Maybe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDrfE9I8_hs

I think I get the premise of it... Maybe

I know the feeling and I wrote it.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDrfE9I8_hs

Slow forum .


Is There Anybody Out There ?

they love money not football and not Liverpool if the cheque is big enough they would walk.

Same thoughts. Gave them 5-years and time almost up.

Slow forum .


Is There Anybody Out There ?

"I got a little black book with my poems in,
 a bag with a toothbrush & comb in
 and when I'm a good dog they sometimes
 throw me a bone in,
 I got elastic bands keeping my shoes on,
 ive got those swollen hand blues, I got
 13 channels of sh*t on the tv to choose from,
 I got electric light, I got second sight, ive got
 amazing powers of observation, that is when
 I know, when I try to get through, on the telephone
 to you, that there is nobody home."


Nobody Home, The Wall, Pink Floyd




YNWA

"I got a little black book with my poems in,
 a bag with a toothbrush & comb in
 and when I'm a good dog they sometimes
 throw me a bone in,
 I got elastic bands keeping my shoes on,
 ive got those swollen hand blues, I got
 13 channels of sh*t on the tv to choose from,
 I got electric light, I got second sight, ive got
 amazing powers of observation, that is when
 I know, when I try to get through, on the telephone
 to you, that there is nobody home."


Nobody Home, The Wall, Pink Floyd




YNWA

Thats the one Billy Boy.

Thats why I wrote it in capitals .



Obviously a man of comparable intelligence ,  musical taste  and modesty   ...   Sir.


 

Thats the one Billy Boy.

Thats why I wrote it in capitals .



Obviously a man of comparable intelligence ,  musical taste  and modesty Sir.


 

I fully agree mate,       


YNWA

My other half is Chinese and used to be a member of a LFC fan community in Shanghai - hundreds of locals meeting up to watch the games.

The opportunity to grow LFC as a brand in China is absolutely enormous. Football is being heavily invested in by the government and by Chinese companies in terms of sponsorship etc. The fan base is growing and will continue to grow.

I saw a few people asking about the relevance of the colour red - it represents good fortune. For example, at Chinese New Year, people receive 'Hong Bao' (red envelope) which contains money from relatives and friends.

My other half is Chinese and used to be a member of a LFC fan community in Shanghai - hundreds of locals meeting up to watch the games.

The opportunity to grow LFC as a brand in China is absolutely enormous. Football is being heavily invested in by the government and by Chinese companies in terms of sponsorship etc. The fan base is growing and will continue to grow.

I saw a few people asking about the relevance of the colour red - it represents good fortune. For example, at Chinese New Year, people receive 'Hong Bao' (red envelope) which contains money from relatives and friends.

Of course Bill Shankly was a clairvoyant ... he got Ron Yeats to model the new all red kit in November 1964.

Shankly said  " Christ, Ronnie, you look awesome, terrifying. You look 7ft tall.'"

He had asked everyone to take a walk around big Ron Yeats when he first arrived in 61.

My other half is Chinese and used to be a member of a LFC fan community in Shanghai - hundreds of locals meeting up to watch the games.

The opportunity to grow LFC as a brand in China is absolutely enormous. Football is being heavily invested in by the government and by Chinese companies in terms of sponsorship etc. The fan base is growing and will continue to grow.

I saw a few people asking about the relevance of the colour red - it represents good fortune. For example, at Chinese New Year, people receive 'Hong Bao' (red envelope) which contains money from relatives and friends.

a bit like George Graham's brown envelopes then

"I got a little black book with my poems in,
 a bag with a toothbrush & comb in
 and when I'm a good dog they sometimes
 throw me a bone in,
 I got elastic bands keeping my shoes on,
 ive got those swollen hand blues, I got
 13 channels of sh*t on the tv to choose from,
 I got electric light, I got second sight, ive got
 amazing powers of observation, that is when
 I know, when I try to get through, on the telephone
 to you, that there is nobody home."


Nobody Home, The Wall, Pink Floyd




YNWA

Just saw this was playing it in the car today nice one Billy .