Saints confirm takeover approach Paul Allen

[Pebb]

Source: BBC Sport

Southampton could be the latest club to be taken over by an American after the club confirmed a takeover approach.

A statement to the Stock Exchange said: "We have received, and are considering, a preliminary approach."

Speculation has linked Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the world's 19th richest man, with the Saints.

A source close to Allen told the Daily Mail: "He sees Southampton as a sleeping giant, a family-supported club with traditional values."

The Stock Exchange statement added: "The board note the recent rise in the company's share price.

"The board's consideration is at an early stage and there is no guarantee that any offer will be forthcoming."

Allen owns the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise and the Portland Trailblazers NBA outfit and the source said: "We see the value in taking the brand global."

Allen retains his interest in Microsoft as an investor in Dreamworks animation studio, and is a backer of the SpaceShipOne project to launch commercial space flights.

Forbes magazine estimates his fortune at £9bn.

Several ultra-wealthy Americans have snapped up English football clubs, headed by the Glazer family at Manchester United, George Gillett and Tom Hicks at Liverpool, and Randy Lerner at Aston Villa.

American billionaire Stan Kroenke is involved in a battle to take over Arsenal.

Championship club Southampton have been searching for new investors since Michael Wilde replaced Rupert Lowe as chairman last summer.

Millionaire property developer Wilde himself resigned earlier this year after failing to attract investment.

 

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A spokesman for Microsoft co-owner Paul Allen has denied that the billionaire has made an approach for Southampton.

Allen, who already owns American football franchise Seattle Seahawks and basketball outfit Portland Trail Blazers, was reported to be behind a bid for the Saints.

Earlier on Friday Southampton revealed that they were considering a preliminary takeover approach and Allen was linked.

However, spokesman for Vulcan Ventures - owned by Allen - denied knowing of any potential bid.

"To the best of his knowledge, this spokesperson is not aware of any interest," said Michael Nank.

-SkySports-

 

[Pebb]

You know the spokesman may be denying it, just to make sure he can bid in private even more, and not fail at the chance to become the new chairman.

 

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True, personally I don't trust spokesmen or agents myself, wouldn't be surprised if it's confirmed over the next week. Just thought I'd post that for it's relevance and all.

 

[Pebb]

True, personally I don't trust spokesmen or agents myself, wouldn't be surprised if it's confirmed over the next week. Just thought I'd post that for it's relevance and all.

I just hope the news story on Sky Sports News turns out untrue over the long run, because Southampton FC, who I have supported all my life deserve someone with money like Allen to bring the club back to the big time with a bang, while being able to keep onto there top youngsters.

 

[a6m5]

I just read about this on my local paper's Blazers(NBA Basketball) section.

I don't know anything about professional soccer/football leagues, but how big of a team is the Saints? I get the impression that it might be struggling, or are rebuilding.

Paul Allen, at least with the Blazers, is a very generous owner. Last few years, he has made vast cutbacks on the team's finances to fix the busted up business model, but he's never been a owner who shys away from spending the big money needed to make his team better.

 

[Pebb]

I just read about this on my local paper's Blazers(NBA Basketball) section.

I don't know anything about professional soccer/football leagues, but how big of a team is the Saints? I get the impression that it might be struggling, or are rebuilding.

Paul Allen, at least with the Blazers, is a very generous owner. Last few years, he has made vast cutbacks on the team's finances to fix the busted up business model, but he's never been a owner who shys away from spending the big money needed to make his team better.

Football (Soccer) tempts people like Paul Allen to spend money to bring in better players and help with money to aid improvements.