Mukesh Ambani, CMD, Reliance Industries denied on Tuesday a British newspaper report that he was in a race to take over Liverpool football club. But another Indian businessman reportedly in the running for the Merseyside club appeared more circumspect.
The Times of London reported that Ambani, the world's seventh-richest man, was one of the two tycoons from the subcontinent competing to purchase a stake in Liverpool.
The paper said Ambani's Reliance Industries and Sahara Group chairman Subrata Roy had each tendered similar bids to pay off Liverpool's 237 million pound (Rs 1,721 crore) debts in return for a 51 percent stake in the club.
“There is no truth to the report. We deny it completely,” Reliance spokesperson said.
Liverpool is presently owned by American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks, who acquired the club in February 2007.
However, deported disagreements between Gillett and Hicks, and the lack of the fans' support, have led to rumours that international buyers such as the Dubai International Capital would bid for the club.
Liverpool chief executive, Christian Purslow, however denied any knowledge of bids by Ambani and Roy, but The Times reported that approaches began as early as November and that some preliminary talks had taken place.
Each deal requires that the present owners make a commitment to take no dividends or expenses out of the club for three years to allow the club to resume a secure financial basis.
Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/english-premier-league/top-stories/top-stories/RIL-denies-Mukesh-Ambanis-bid-for-Liverpool-Football-Club/articleshow/5550825.cms
Labels: Reliance, Reliance Group, Reliance Industries, RIL