Liverpool confirm takeover talks

Liverpool Football Club today confirmed it has entered into a period of exclusive negotiations with Dubai International Capital (DIC) about a possible takeover of the club.

Liverpool's chief executive Rick Parry said in a statement: "This is the latest step on the road of finding the long-term investment that the club needs.

"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.

The club is believed to be valued at around £450million and any proposed deal is thought to include at least £200m to build a new 60,000-capacity stadium at Stanley Park, £170million for a controlling stake in the club and £80million to cover existing debts.

"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," added Parry.

A statement from the club read: "No deal has yet been agreed and the detail of any transaction, which may or may or may not include a formal offer by DIC for Liverpool Football Club, is still to be confirmed.

"The club aims to keep Liverpool shareholders and supporters fully informed and will make a further statement as soon as possible.

DIC is the international investment arm of Dubai Holding, which owns and manages a diversified portfolio of companies operating in the fields of leisure, healthcare, technology, finance, real estate, research, education, tourism, energy and communications.

As an investment arm DIC is owned by the Dubai Crown Prince and United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

DIC has a strong track record in both the leisure sector and in the UK. In 2005, for example, it bought Tussauds, the largest operator of visitor attractions in Europe, for  €1.5bn. It also owns the Travelodge hotel group. Its parent company owns various London hotels, including the Carlton Tower.

Should the takeover deal go ahead it would mean Liverpool join an increasing list of Premiership clubs - Manchester United, Chelsea, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and most recently West Ham - who have been bought by overseas investors in recent years..
 
Liverpool have been subject to a number of diffrerent takeovers in recent years, including the attempt of then Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, in 2004. Last year Robert Kraft, owner of the NFL's New England Patriots, was also linked with the Merseyside club.