george Posted May 14, 2004 Author Share Posted May 14, 2004 Thai premier buoyed by Liverpool's Morgan snub BANGKOK: -- Thailand's billionaire prime minister says he has "better-than-even" odds of winning a stake in English football club Liverpool after its board rebuffed a rival bid from British businessman Steve Morgan. "I would say it is now 51:49 in our favour. We are in a good, better-than-even position," Thaksin Shinawatra told reporters in Bangkok on Friday hours after Liverpool directors said Morgan's bid was "not attractive". Thaksin, a telecoms-tycoon turned politician, is offering 4.3 billion baht (60 million pounds) for a 30 percent stake in the premier league club. If the bid succeeded, the Thais would seek a role in the club's business, he said. "Our proposals involve not only buying shares but they also would benefit the club. We will not be just a silent partner," he said. Thaksin now appears to have a clear advantage over Morgan, a property developer whose Liverpool roots won over the fans but failed to impress the board. Morgan, who has been a vocal critic of how the club is run, wanted to increase his five percent stake with a deal funded by a rights issue and the sale of shares to supporters. After weighing both bids on Thursday, the directors said Morgan's offer "implied a current value of 61 million pounds for the entire club, which is a substantial discount to the value placed on the club by the board". "The board has therefore concluded that the Bridgemere Proposal as currently constituted is not attractive". Liverpool is 51 percent owned by David Moores, whose family has had control for half a century, and 9.9 percent owned by television company Granada. The board's statement made clear that further talks lie ahead, but Thaksin said he did not foresee any changes to the Thai offer, which he insists offers the fairest conditions. "I don't think there will be more negotiations because we have confirmed our proposals, but they will likely need time to consider the details," he said. THAI ROLE? Thaksin said the Thais would seek an active role in the running of the club. "We will nominate representatives to participate in Liverpool's management -- the Sports Authority of Thailand governor, president of the Thai Football Association, a marketing expert and a finance expert, for example," he said. Thaksin has given few details of his bid, but says it would inject 45 million pounds of new money into the club, with the rest going to buy shares from existing shareholders. Thai newspapers have questioned whether private or public funds would be used and opposition politicians believe the deal is a ploy to distract attention from other issues. Thaksin said on Friday the state-run Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) would set up a subsidiary to seek funds from people willing to finance the deal. SAT would hold a 51 percent stake in the new entity, which would be listed on the Thai stock exchange and through which Thai nationals and the private sector could buy shares in Liverpool. "Indications now are that public interest is exceeding what is needed. The public will be given the first bite and if their participation is sufficient, we won't need any other big shareholders," Thaksin said. Thaksin's bid has also had a mixed response from Liverpool fans in England after the British media carried reports on his human rights record, especially a war on drugs last year when more than 2,500 Thais were killed. Thaksin has dismissed the controversy over his government's human rights record and said he would consider bidding for other English clubs if the Liverpool deal fell through. --Reuters 2004-05-14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 14, 2004 Author Share Posted May 14, 2004 Thai PM cautiously optimistic - Thaksin did a U-turn BANGKOK: -- Thailand's prime minister said on Friday his chances of securing a stake in Liverpool have increased slightly after the club's board rejected an offer by a rival, English property developer Steve Morgan. "It looks like the situation is better, although it's not the end yet because there's more details to talk about," Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told reporters. "We now have a 51-49 (chance)... something like that, somewhere around that." He had characterised his chances of securing the deal as "50-50" earlier this week after Morgan countered his bid, worth more than $100m, by offering to inject $127.8m into the club. Thaksin said the English Premier League team's board has been in touch with his aides after it announced that it found Morgan's bid "unattractive," but would seek an improved offer. The brief statement didn't elaborate. Thaksin said he would not be increasing his offer to secure the 30% stake, which will probably come out of the 51% share of the club held by its chairperson David Moores. "I think if someone were to consider our offer, it's a win-win offer," he said. Asked if he thinks he has a better chance of securing the deal now, he said: "We always have positive thinking." Commercial possibilities "It's now up to the board of the Liverpool club. We have done our best," said the billionaire businessman-turned-politician. "If Liverpool likes our offer, I think we can sign (an agreement) soon. By next week, everything should be concluded," Thaksin said. A Thai victory in the stakes war would bring an Asian consortium investor into the ownership structure and could give Liverpool access to Asia's rapidly growing commercial possibilities by giving the consortium rights to market the club's merchandize. Under the deal, Thaksin also wants Liverpool to set up a soccer academy in Thailand. "This is going to be good for the club to build up a fan base in the region including the soccer academy," he said. Thaksin's bid set off a barrage of criticism following revelations that money for the deal would likely come from public funds. However, Thaksin did a U-turn, denying the money would come from government coffers. He said on Friday that private investors would buy the shares and then offer them for sale to the public. "I confirm that the investment money won't come from taxpayers' money... We want people to have a part in this," he said. Many commentators have suggested that Thaksin is hoping to tap the nationwide craze for soccer to boost his flagging popularity at a time when his administration has come under fire for its poor handling of the unrest in the Muslim-dominated south and a bird flu outbreak earlier this year. --News24.com 2004-05-14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pnustedt Posted May 14, 2004 Share Posted May 14, 2004 I hear there was a good cartoon in one of the UK's papers showing a VIP's Tuk Tuk parked outside Anfield, chocked up on bricks with the wheels stolen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 14, 2004 Author Share Posted May 14, 2004 FA and Premier League will not block Thai Liverpool bid LONDON: -- The English Football Association (FA) and the Premier League will not block Thailand's billionaire prime minister from buying a stake in Liverpool, spokesmen for the two ruling bodies said on Friday. Thaksin Shinawatra, a former telecoms tycoon, has said his odds of winning a stake in the premier league club are "better-than-even" after Liverpool's board rebuffed a rival bid from British businessman Steve Morgan. "There is nothing in our regulations to prevent such a bid from going ahead," an FA spokesman said. The Premier League, administrators of England's top-flight division, said it did not comment on speculation but a spokesman told Reuters: "The premier league is a global phenomenon and as such we can hardly be surprised that it attracts foreign investment. "Clubs are inextricably linked to local communities but at the other end of the scale they are listed companies and people will trade in their shares." Thaksin is offering about $100 million for a 30 percent stake in the premier league club. "I would say it is now 51:49 in our favour. We are in a good, better-than-even position," Thaksin told reporters in Bangkok after Liverpool directors said Morgan's bid was "not attractive". If the bid succeeded, the Thais would seek a role in the club's business, he said. "Our proposals involve not only buying shares but they also would benefit the club. We will not be just a silent partner," he said. Foreign investors already hold significant stakes in some of England's biggest clubs. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich purchased Chelsea last year and Irish racehorse owners JP McManus and John Magnier have a major holding in Manchester United. American tycoon Malcolm Glazer, who owns NFL team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also has shares in the Old Trafford club. --Reuters 2004-05-14 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaicoon Posted May 14, 2004 Share Posted May 14, 2004 He will be buying a yellow submarine next............ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 15, 2004 Author Share Posted May 15, 2004 Thaksin Says Liverpool Stake Will Popularize Sport in Thailand ``I will make up the rest if it's not enough.'' : Thaksin BANGKOK: -- Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whose bid to buy shares in Liverpool FC was boosted after the English soccer team rejected a rival offer, said a successful purchase will increase the popularity of sports in Thailand. ``The purchase of Liverpool will help ignite public interest in sports,'' Thaksin said in his weekly radio speech in Bangkok. ``Football is the only game that can help'' popularize sports. Liverpool Thursday said housebuilder Steve Morgan's offer to underwrite a share sale to raise 73 million pounds ($176 million) is ``not attractive'' and values the team at 61 million pounds, ``a substantial discount'' to the board's estimate, boosting Thaksin's chances of buying a stake. Thaksin and a group of investors including the government have offered 4.3 billion baht ($105 million) for a 30 percent share in Liverpool, who have the English championship a record 18 times. Thailand will set up a company to handle the investment, which will be 51 percent owned by the Sports Authority of Thailand, a state body. ``Most of the money will come from people who are interested including the public and businessmen,'' Thaksin said. ``I will make up the rest if it's not enough.'' Under the Thai proposal, Liverpool coaches would set up an academy for the country's youth, while the government would earn revenue from the sale of club jerseys and memorabilia in Asia. Thaksin in October failed to buy a stake in Fulham, another English Premiership club, after team owner Mohamed Al-Fayed said he had no intention of selling. --Bloomberg 2004-05-15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_Pat_Pong Posted May 15, 2004 Share Posted May 15, 2004 GEORGE Didn't Dr Thaksin's deal fall over ? Sorry... I have been travelling and missed the info'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megashox Posted May 16, 2004 Share Posted May 16, 2004 Just heard on BBC that the deal is almost final. Expect formal announcement within hours! Now - You will never wank alone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Up2U Posted May 16, 2004 Share Posted May 16, 2004 Thai PM cautiously optimistic - Thaksin did a U-turnThaksin said he would not be increasing his offer to secure the 30% stake, which will probably come out of the 51% share of the club held by its chairperson David Moores. "I think if someone were to consider our offer, it's a win-win offer," he said. Asked if he thinks he has a better chance of securing the deal now, he said: "We always have positive thinking." Commercial possibilities A Thai victory in the stakes war would bring an Asian consortium investor into the ownership structure and could give Liverpool access to Asia's rapidly growing commercial possibilities by giving the consortium rights to market the club's merchandize. Under the deal, Thaksin also wants Liverpool to set up a soccer academy in Thailand. "This is going to be good for the club to build up a fan base in the region including the soccer academy," he said. Thaksin's bid set off a barrage of criticism following revelations that money for the deal would likely come from public funds. However, Thaksin did a U-turn, denying the money would come from government coffers. He said on Friday that private investors would buy the shares and then offer them for sale to the public. "I confirm that the investment money won't come from taxpayers' money... We want people to have a part in this," he said. Many commentators have suggested that Thaksin is hoping to tap the nationwide craze for soccer to boost his flagging popularity at a time when his administration has come under fire for its poor handling of the unrest in the Muslim-dominated south and a bird flu outbreak earlier this year. --News24.com 2004-05-14 I thought part of the deal was that Toxin would get the marketing rights in SE Asia? Also - he and his associates will make the original purchase, then sell the shares onward to the Thai people? How much will the mark-up be? This is a win-win situation for Toxin. And he wants a say in the running of the club - what will his end be - bribe the Arsenal players to throw a few matches? Shoot some of the Man U. players? Send the Newcastle team a couple of dozen Thai BG's on a Friday night? Keep this man out of European sport at all costs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 16, 2004 Author Share Posted May 16, 2004 Liverpool not only club on Thai list Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will approach another Premiership club should his bid for a stake in Liverpool fail, according to his spokesman Chakrapot Penkay. A 30% stake in Liverpool is being sought by Shinawatra, who is ready to spend £65million to secure his presence at Anfield. But he is ready to turn his gaze elsewhere if negotiations break down. "It is not just Liverpool we are interested in. Our desire is to pursue any British soccer team," Penkay told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme. He added: "We are still pursuing Liverpool. There is someone in Britain who initiated the meeting between the club and the Prime Minister so there is mutual interest - it was not a one-sided approach. "Thailand wants to be involved in another quality institution like the Premiership. Some other clubs have already approached us - and more than one team. I hope there will be a conclusion at the end of this week." --Football365.com 2004-05-16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 16, 2004 Author Share Posted May 16, 2004 Liverpool fans protest Thai deal LIVERPOOL: -- Liverpool fans protested against Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's bid for shares in Liverpool football club before yesterday's game. Prior to kick off fans carried a banner in front of the Kop saying "We want Morgan. No Thai blood money". The banner was applauded by the Kop as it was paraded in front of them. -- http://www.lfconline.com/news/loadnews.asp...=TMNW&id=159806 2004-05-16 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_nana Posted May 17, 2004 Share Posted May 17, 2004 What were all of those Thai guys on the TV doing the other day with banners saying 'UGLY BRITISH' Is this somehow connected to Thaksin buying some of Liverpool? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stumonster Posted May 17, 2004 Share Posted May 17, 2004 ``I will make up the rest if it's not enough.'' : Thaksin yes that quote says it all.... Just make it up as you go along mr T Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 18, 2004 Author Share Posted May 18, 2004 Liverpool 'accept Thai bid' BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shiniwatra has reportedly had his £60m bid to buy a 30% stake in Liverpool accepted. Spokesman Santiparb Tejavanija said: "I'm flying to Liverpool tonight. Our proposal has been approved." The Liverpool board had to choose between Thaskin's offer and building tycoon Steve Morgan's rival £73m bid. Directors branded lifelong fan Morgan's initial offer as "unattractive" after a board meeting on Thursday. Morgan had aimed to raise £61m with a rights issue and £12m through a share issue. The Anfield board claimed his offer did not represent the true value of the club. Thaksin, a billionaire telecoms tycoon before he turned to politics, has said he wants to promote Thai football and employ Liverpool coaches to lift the lacklustre national game up to international standards. THAKSIN PLAN Age: 54 Born: Chiang Mai, Thailand Occupation: Prime Minister Estimated fortune: £560m Anfield offer: £60m for 30% stake Profile: Thaksin Shinawatra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted May 18, 2004 Author Share Posted May 18, 2004 This thread continues here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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