The sale of Manchester United by the Glazer family has achieved its first major milestone in the public eye, with 17 February serving as a "soft" deadline for investors to submit an offer to the club. Several prominent names have emerged as potential bidders for the English Premier League (EPL) club.
Potential bidders include Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar Sheikh plans to offer a debt-free deal, backed by the Nine Two Foundation. As per reports, Saudi Arabia has also joined the bidding war for Manu. The required document has been signed by brokers acting on behalf of several Saudi groups, but it is uncertain whether Saudi Arabia will actually make an offer.
The most prominent name is Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the richest men in the United Kingdom. A lifelong Manchester United fan, Ratcliffe has made it known that he intends to buy Manchester United from the Glazers. Ratcliffe's wealth comes from his ownership of the privately held Ineos, one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers. He wants to buy Manu for less than £5 billion.
Meanwhile, American businessmen Josh Harris and David Blitzer are exploring a bid for United, although they have not officially announced it. The two, who founded Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, are said to be considering a deal for a minority ownership position in the team.
They both own an 18% stake in EPL club Crystal Palace, which they may have to sell if United are successful in their bid. The American pair also have shares in other American sports teams.
According to Sky News, a deal between Harris and Blitzer could spark anger from United supporters, who have protested against the Glazer family's ownership of the team several times over the past 17 years.
After failing to acquire Roman Abramovich from Chelsea, the pair are rumored to be exploring an offer for Liverpool. Both supported Sir Martin Broughton's bid for Chelsea, but it was defeated by Clearlake Capital Group, led by Bohli, the former chairman of both Liverpool and British Airways.
According to Sky News, a deal between Harris and Blitzer could spark anger from United supporters, who have protested against the Glazer family's ownership of the team several times over the past 17 years.
After failing to acquire Roman Abramovich from Chelsea, the pair are rumored to be exploring an offer for Liverpool. Both supported Sir Martin Broughton's bid for Chelsea, but it was defeated by Clearlake Capital Group, led by Bohli, the former chairman of both Liverpool and British Airways.
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