7:18
Brighton & Hove Albion
Reds agree takeover deal
By Peter ORourke - Created on 6 Feb 2007
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx...id=14&lid=4161&title=Reds+agree+takeover+deal
Liverpool have confirmed they have accepted a takeover offer from American duo George Gillett Jnr and Tom Hicks.
Your view on the Liverpool takeover
The American pair flew into Liverpool on Tuesday to tie up the final details of the takeover deal.
The deal is reported to be worth £470m with the American duo splitting the cost between them paying about £175m for the shares in the club, £80m to cover the debt and a further £215m towards a new stadium.
Liverpool's board have now made an announcement to the Stock Exchange of the offer and they have recommended for the club's shareholders to accept the deal.
Reds chairman David Moores welcomed the deal and revealed he will be staying on at the club as Honorary Life President.
"I believe this is a great step forward for Liverpool, its shareholders and its fans. This club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life.
"After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad.
"I urge all my fellow shareholders to do the same and to support the offer. By doing so, I believe you will be backing the successful future of Liverpool Football Club.
"I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the Club by becoming Honorary Life President."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry believes the deal signals a new era at the English titans.
"This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders - it is the beginning of a new era for the club," said Parry.
"The partnership created by George and Tom is very special. They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool.
"Their approach represents exactly the sort of genuine partnership that Liverpool has been seeking over recent times.
"We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field.
"They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad.
"This has been an important time for the club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the club succeed and prosper."
Gillett and Hicks expressed their delight at gaining control at Anfield saying: "Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase.
"We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future.
"The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the club's legacy and tradition.
"We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future."
By Peter ORourke - Created on 6 Feb 2007
http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx...id=14&lid=4161&title=Reds+agree+takeover+deal
Liverpool have confirmed they have accepted a takeover offer from American duo George Gillett Jnr and Tom Hicks.
Your view on the Liverpool takeover
The American pair flew into Liverpool on Tuesday to tie up the final details of the takeover deal.
The deal is reported to be worth £470m with the American duo splitting the cost between them paying about £175m for the shares in the club, £80m to cover the debt and a further £215m towards a new stadium.
Liverpool's board have now made an announcement to the Stock Exchange of the offer and they have recommended for the club's shareholders to accept the deal.
Reds chairman David Moores welcomed the deal and revealed he will be staying on at the club as Honorary Life President.
"I believe this is a great step forward for Liverpool, its shareholders and its fans. This club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life.
"After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad.
"I urge all my fellow shareholders to do the same and to support the offer. By doing so, I believe you will be backing the successful future of Liverpool Football Club.
"I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the Club by becoming Honorary Life President."
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry believes the deal signals a new era at the English titans.
"This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders - it is the beginning of a new era for the club," said Parry.
"The partnership created by George and Tom is very special. They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool.
"Their approach represents exactly the sort of genuine partnership that Liverpool has been seeking over recent times.
"We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field.
"They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad.
"This has been an important time for the club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the club succeed and prosper."
Gillett and Hicks expressed their delight at gaining control at Anfield saying: "Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase.
"We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future.
"The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the club's legacy and tradition.
"We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future."
