Takeover 'exclusive' claims $5bn duo are now in talks with Mike Ashley over £300m deal
One of the most dedicated and committed journalists to write about his beloved NUFC, the excellent Liam Kennedy of the Shields Gazette, has revealed today that some new takeover interest has arrived from the Far East.
He claims in his 'exclusive' that Singapore-based investors Terence and Nelson Loh have held talks with Mike Ashley over a potential Newcastle United takeover bid.
Here's what he's had to say today, sparking more rumours and speculation following the Saudis 'failed' bid and Mauriss' disappearance:
“We can reveal the founders of private equity firm DORR Group have held talks, via a broker, with the United hierarchy.”
“The Singapore entrepreneurs are hoping to take advantage of the end of exclusivity between PCP Capital Partners, Reuben Brothers and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia after their £300 million takeover hit the buffers.”
“Meetings, meanwhile, have taken place with the Lohs and Far East investors in Asia and Europe, and talks have progressed quickly with a deal readied in less than three weeks.”
“It is not known whether the Lohs, business partners and cousins, will take the next step to bid, but their interest is genuine.”
“The duo manage more than $5billion in a variety of industries, including technology, new media and healthcare, through DORR Group, which they formed after leaving their job as investment bankers at JP Morgan.”
“They are both keen sports fans, and have taken an active interest in motorsport. They founded the Dorr McElrea Racing Team in 2012 and have also sponsored a number of high-profile motorsport professionals and races, as well as St Michael's Soccer Association in Singapore.”
This should rightfully be taken with a pinch of salt after everything we've been put through, although they do though seem to have the money and the clout and we know the far east is a market that the PL and its clubs always seem keen to target so perhaps there is something in this one. As usual time will tell and it’s yet another curveball to throw into the mix.
I have little or now high-financial acumen but if they are serious and they do have that amount of money I would strongly suggest to them that they get in touch with PCP and The Rueben’s who are definitely still interested in being part of a deal, hopefully any deal. Trouble is if they are serious and can agree a deal with Ashley how long is it going to take to push through. Will the season of struggle have started and what sort of state will the transfer market be in? We need decisive action from some quarters very quickly now.
Meanwhile Friday was supposedly the day when Henry Mauriss was supposed to put up or shut up. We’ve still not seen not heard from him or anyone behind that deal. I definitely think that he’s a no-no that will just get thrown out in desperation on occasion.
The PIF/PCP/Reuben deal and money are reportedly still on the table although its now unlikely that PIF are going to push it. Ashley appears to be the only one that can revive that one if he feels so inclined and is desperate to push on.
All of which leaves us with more speculation and rumour and a story that doesn’t look like going away any time soon.
