A group of 'five serious bidders' have put their names into the ring in the battle to purchase Manchester United, according to a report by the Mail.
As has been the hot topic this week, a group of Qatari private investors are set to launch an attempt to purchase the club, in full, from the Glazers, who put the club on the market back in November. It is reported that they are set to face opposition from four rival bidders ahead of the 'soft deadline' for offers next Friday (February 17).
Though the Qatari group, according to several reports, are keen to complete a takeover themselves, it is claimed that the group of five reported bidders may eventually reduce and come together to form a consortium, which is what happened when Chelsea were sold last year. The sale of the Londoners was also handled by US merchant bankers Raine, who are coordinating the sale of United for the Glazer family.
READ MORE: Who are the Qatari group and when is the bidding deadline?
Aside from interest from Qatar, boyhood United fan and British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is also in the running to buy the club. He officially declared his interest in buying the club last month.
The first stage of the process, which will conclude soon, invited interest from several parties and groups. Those who have signed confidentiality agreements were then reported to have been give access to what is called the 'data room', where United's financial details are stored.
It is claimed that 'multiple parties' from Saudi Arabia have been given access to this data. Those in Saudi Arabia who have been given access do not have any affiliation with Newcastle United. It is said to remain unclear, however, if they will make a formal bid.
It has been widely documented throughout this process, ever since the Glazers confirmed they were open to outside investment or a sale, that they want £6billion for a full sale. If they do, however, choose for outside investment instead, it is reported that they have two possible options.
The first is in the shape of a standalone injection of cash in return for a stake in the club and the second is a more complex and commercial partnership, in which expertise in areas such as media and retail would also be provided. It is claimed that these areas have attracted more than 20 parties.
Such levels of interest in that particular avenue mean that the Glazers could accept a stake instead of completing a full sale. However, the Glazers, as well as prospective investors, should be mindful of how much negativity and backlash would be created by the United supporters if a full sale failed to come to fruition.
It is also reported that, according to those familiar with the whole process, that a full takeover at Old Trafford remains the most likely outcome, with the Qataris confident that their bid will be the strongest.
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