Rappy Veteran Posted April 27, 2007 Veteran Share Posted April 27, 2007 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. Interesting when I heard Microsoft on the news I thought it was Bill Gates:laugh:: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martyn Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 Southampton's sponsor is Apple. Just joking :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappy Veteran Posted April 27, 2007 Author Veteran Share Posted April 27, 2007 I always imagine that if Bill Gates ever took over a team imagine the transfer budget!!!...something like 4 times Chelseas :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shibby Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 Meh. First it was Russian now it is Americans. Seems the right time now to invest in to footy clubs. If Scumpton (sorry Southampton) get in the premiership there is now a big chunk of money to be made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappy Veteran Posted April 27, 2007 Author Veteran Share Posted April 27, 2007 Meh. First it was Russian now it is Americans. Seems the right time now to invest in to footy clubs. If Scumpton (sorry Southampton) get in the premiership there is now a big chunk of money to be made. Yeah I think its good for Southampton because under all those years under Rupert Lowe Southampton were badly run... Unfotunetely the English is coming out of the British game :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leesmithg Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 (edited) Southampton have never been the same since they moved to St. Mary's, top division always seems a bit empty without them. Edited April 27, 2007 by leesmithg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebiacsi Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 Ok i don't actually follow football that much, but how cool would that be?! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shibby Posted April 27, 2007 Share Posted April 27, 2007 It would be nice for them to get back into the top league. They got a good manager and it will be fun to have the derbys again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappy Veteran Posted April 28, 2007 Author Veteran Share Posted April 28, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoom7000 Posted April 30, 2007 Share Posted April 30, 2007 Heh! All this talk of Russians and Americans, we got an Icelandic Biscuit Bloke! Oh well, it looks like he does have a bit of loose change in his pocket. Mass transfers in January, Record Fine Payment! Hey, anyone who can make millions from biscuits must be good... right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappy Veteran Posted April 30, 2007 Author Veteran Share Posted April 30, 2007 Heh! All this talk of Russians and Americans, we got an Icelandic Biscuit Bloke! Oh well, it looks like he does have a bit of loose change in his pocket. Mass transfers in January, Record Fine Payment! Hey, anyone who can make millions from biscuits must be good... right? Yeah who says Digestives don't pay :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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