Man Utd takeover: Sheikh Jassim makes fifth bid to buy football club and sets final deadline
The Qatari billionaire is committed to a complete takeover at Old Trafford, removing the club’s debts and providing additional funding
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Qatari billionaire Sheikh Jassim has submitted a fifth and final bid to buy Manchester United and vowed to walk away from a possible deal if there is no progress by Friday.
As with his previous offers, also submitted via the Nine Two Foundation, it is for a complete takeover of United whereas the other principal bidder, the Ineos businessman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has been trying to buy the Glazer family’s 69 percent shareholding in stages.
The Raine Group, which has been running the process on behalf of the Glazers, has invited three rounds of bids since the American owners put the club up for sale in November.
Sheikh Jassim then submitted a fourth offer before returning this week with a fifth.
The process has been drawn out and the Qatari’s willingness to abandon his interest reflects his frustration with the Glazers, while Radcliffe had also hoped to conclude a deal by now.
The Mancunian’s camp have been in direct talks with United and Raine and his bids are understood to have valued the club at a higher amount, while Sheikh Jassim has insisted he would clear the club’s debts and provide additional funding.
The Glazers have also explored the possibility of minority investment, with hedge funds and investment firms including Elliott, Ares and Sixth Street all involved.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments