Who's who in the battle to own Liverpool FC
New England Sports Ventures has a signed agreement to take over the club disputed by Hicks and Gillett while Peter Lim has increased his offer and Mill Financial waits in the wings
NESV
Who New England Sports Ventures, headed by John W Henry and owners of the Boston Red Sox.
Status Has a signed agreement with the
Liverpool board that is disputed by Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The agreement binds both sides until 1 November, requiring the board to endeavour to get a legal judgment confirming its validity before then. Henry said yesterday in a Tweet: "Everyone is hoping for the best. There have been enough twists and turns. Hopefully all gets sorted out soon; LFC moves forward."
What is it worth? £300m. £200m will go to Royal Bank of Scotland and Wells Fargo to clear the acquisition debt loaded on to the club, with a further £100m in working capital.
How is it being financed? The Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton has insisted the club's debt will be cleared and NESV sources have suggested it will use cash from its existing businesses.
What they say "NESV wants to create a long-term financially solid foundation for Liverpool FC and is dedicated to ensuring that the club has the resources to build for the future, including the removal of all acquisition debt. Our objective is to stabilise the club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies."
Peter Lim
Who Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, through an investment vehicle called Meriton.
Status Reached the final two under consideration by the Liverpool board, but lost out to NESV and returned with an improved offer yesterday.
What is it worth? £320m, including £200m to clear bank debt, plus a further £40m pledged to Roy Hodgson for transfers.
How is it being financed? Lim said yesterday the money for the cash offer was "available immediately".
What they say "I respect and admire Liverpool Football Club, which is steeped in tradition and history. I am committed to rebuild the club so that it can soon regain its position at the pinnacle of English and European football, where it truly belongs."
Mill Financial
Who Mill Financial, a US hedge fund believed to have acquired George Gillett's stake in the club when he defaulted on a £75m loan.
Status Unknown. The club's board revealed in court yesterday that its bid was turned down when Mill requested exclusivity in negotiations.
What is it worth? The QC acting for Hicks and Gillett claimed yesterday that the offer would pay off the club's debts as well as investing £100m towards a new stadium.
How is it being financed? Sources claimed Mill Financial had immediate access to £400m.
What they say Nothing. Yet.
